Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

There’s no handbook for raising a toddler. There’s no set of rules, and there’s no one right way to raise a child. As a parent, all you want is to give your child the love, support, and opportunities they need to grow into a happy, healthy individual. But what if your child experiences the world a little differently? What if you’re beginning to notice behaviors that leave you with more questions than answers?

If you’ve found yourself wondering whether your child is showing the early signs of autism in toddlers, you’re not alone. Many parents have walked in your shoes. The good news is that learning what to look for can help you better understand your child’s development and determine whether it’s time to seek a professional evaluation and autism spectrum disorder therapy. 

Reading the Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers 

Because autism is a spectrum, it looks different for every child. There’s not a single behavior that’s automatically associated with a diagnosis. But, there are several common early signs of autism in toddlers that you may notice, and they may indicate that it’s time for an official diagnosis or extra support through therapy for children with autism. Here’s what to look out for: 

• Limited Eye Contact– Most toddlers make eye contact while playing, communicating, or seeking comfort from a parent. A child showing limited eye contact or avoiding eye contact altogether may indicate neurodivergence. 
• No Joint Attention- Joint attention refers to a child’s ability to share an experience with another person. Difficulty with joint attention is often one of the more noticeable early signs of autism in toddlers.
• Repetitive Movements-Repetitive actions, or stimming, such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning, or other self-stimulatory behaviors, can be an early sign of autism. 
• Not Responding to Their Name- Parents often become concerned when their child consistently does not respond to their name. While there can be multiple reasons for this behavior, it is one of the commonly recognized early signs of autism in toddlers.
• Organizing or Lining Up Toys– Many toddlers enjoy arranging toys occasionally. However, some autistic children may become intensely focused on lining up objects repeatedly or organizing items in very specific ways.
• Strong Dislike of Changes in Routines– Many young children enjoy predictable routines, but some become extremely distressed when routines change. Difficulty adapting to changes can sometimes be associated with autism-related differences in processing and flexibility.

Therapy for Children With Autism

If you suspect that your child has autism, then you may start searching for autism spectrum disorder therapy. While there are many approaches to therapy for children with autism, ABA therapy stands apart because of its extensive scientific foundation and decades of research supporting its effectiveness.

ABA focuses on understanding how learning occurs and how your child develops new skills over time. What makes it particularly effective is its emphasis on measurable progress, individualized planning, and skill development that can be applied across real-life situations. To learn more about ABA therapy for children with autism, or about getting an official diagnosis, contact us today. At Adaptive Steps ABA Therapy, we’re here to walk you through your options, answer your questions with honesty and compassion, and provide the personalized support your child needs now, and in the future.  Learn More About ABA Therapy!