7 Early Signs of Autism in Babies Every Parent Should Know

Autism in infants can make a significant difference in getting timely support and interventions. While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) doesn’t affect a baby’s physical appearance, it can influence how they communicate, interact, and engage with the world around them. Understanding these early indicators can help parents and caregivers identify potential developmental delays and seek appropriate guidance.

Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because it varies widely in severity and characteristics. Children with autism exhibit a broad range of behaviors and developmental patterns, making early detection more complex. However, there are certain developmental milestones and behaviors that may serve as early red flags.

Early Developmental Milestones That May Signal Autism

1. Social Smiling and Emotional Expression

Most babies begin to smile socially by six to eight weeks of age. By four months, they typically laugh in response to stimuli and show joy when interacting with familiar faces. If an infant does not smile at others or fails to show any joyful expression by six months, it may be worth monitoring their emotional development.

2. Speech and Language Development

Language acquisition begins early, often before babies utter their first real words. Babies may start to babble around 6 to 9 months and say simple words like “mama” or “dada” between 12 and 16 months. A delay in verbal communication—such as not speaking single words by 16 months or not combining two-word phrases by age 2—can indicate potential language or social development concerns.

3. Gestures and Nonverbal Communication

Gesturing is a key component of early communication. Babies generally begin waving, pointing, and reaching for objects they want by 6 to 12 months. A lack of such gestures or an inability to mimic others’ actions—like clapping, kissing, or waving goodbye—may suggest developmental delays. Nonverbal communication is often limited or absent in children on the autism spectrum.

4. Motor Skills: Fine and Gross Motor Development

Motor development includes both fine motor skills (like grasping objects) and gross motor skills (such as crawling and walking). Babies usually learn to grasp toys, reach, and explore their surroundings by using both skill sets. If an infant struggles with balance, coordination, or shows a delay in crawling or walking—especially past 18 months—it could be a sign of concern.

5. Crawling and Physical Exploration

Crawling plays a vital role in helping babies build coordination and spatial awareness. While some babies skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking, a complete lack of both by 18 months could be a red flag. Pediatricians often encourage parents to monitor physical milestones closely, especially when they are missed entirely.

6. Lack of Curiosity or Interest

Another early indicator of autism is a general disinterest in toys, people, or surroundings. Babies typically show curiosity and want to interact with their environment. If a baby seems overly self-contained, doesn’t respond when called, or avoids interaction with others, it might suggest difficulty in social engagement.

7. Minimal or No Eye Contact

Eye contact is one of the earliest forms of social communication. From birth, babies are drawn to human faces and learn by observing expressions and reactions. If a baby rarely looks at people’s faces or avoids making eye contact consistently, it may be an early sign of autism.

Age-Specific Autism Indicators in Babies and Toddlers

Children may display signs of autism at different stages of infancy and toddlerhood. While not every child will show all of these signs, recognizing patterns early can help with diagnosis and support.

At 6 Months

• Limited or no smiles or joyful expressions
• Little to no eye contact
• Lack of engagement with caregivers

At 9 Months

• Doesn’t share facial expressions or respond with sounds
• Shows minimal reaction to names or familiar voices

At 12 Months

• Does not respond to their name
• Little or no babbling or gesturing like waving or pointing

At 16 Months

• Very few spoken words or none at all

At 24 Months

• Does not use simple two-word phrases
• Displays difficulty using objects like spoons or stacking toys
• May struggle with basic motor functions such as crawling or walking

Other Common Signs of Autism in Young Children

While some indicators are age-specific, other behaviors may present at any stage of early development:

• Avoids eye contact consistently
• Delayed language or speech development
• Repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
• Loss of previously acquired skills, including speech or social interaction
• Rigid routines or intense resistance to change
• Limited interests or strong focus on a single object or activity
• Overreaction to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures
• Prefers to be alone, showing little interest in social play or making friends
• Food sensitivities or aversions to specific textures and tastes

What To Do If You're Concerned

If your child is showing any of the above signs, don’t wait - talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, and there are many resources available for support. Your doctor may recommend developmental screening, therapy, or a referral to a specialist for a formal evaluation.

How Mind Grove Can Help

At Mind Grove, we specialize in early intervention and personalized therapy for children showing signs of developmental delays, including autism. Our evidence-based programs are designed to nurture each child’s unique abilities through play-based, child-led approaches. With a dedicated team of professionals, we work closely with families to create tailored treatment plans that support your child’s growth and success. If you're noticing early signs and are unsure where to start, Mind Grove is here to guide you every step of the way.