Autism Symptoms | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Autism symptoms can appear in the first years of life, but they are often subtle and easy to overlook. As a parent, knowing what to watch for can make the difference between early, effective support and years of uncertainty. In this guide, Cadabams CDC breaks down the autism symptoms most parents miss, explains how they change with age, and shows you exactly what to do if you notice red flags.
Quick Autism Signs & Symptoms Overview
Before diving into details, here is a snapshot of the three core areas where autism spectrum disorder symptoms typically show up.
Social Communication Red Flags
- Limited eye contact by 6 months
- Not responding to name by 12 months
- Few or no shared smiles or facial expressions
Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors
- Lining up toys in rigid lines
- Extreme distress at small routine changes
- Hand flapping, toe walking, or spinning objects
Sensory Over- or Under-Reactions
- Covering ears for everyday sounds
- Seeking deep pressure or constant movement
- Gagging at certain textures or smells
Social Communication Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Delays in Joint Attention & Eye Contact
Joint attention—the ability to look where someone else is pointing or to share interest in an object—is a milestone most babies reach by 9–12 months. Autism symptoms often include:
- Lack of pointing by 14 months
- Not looking back at a parent after showing a toy
- Eye contact that feels fleeting or “glancing” rather than sustained
Limited Sharing of Interests or Emotions
Typical toddlers bring toys to parents, wave “bye-bye,” or hold up a snack to share. Children showing early signs of autism may:
- Play alone without checking in
- Show toys but not look for a reaction
- Display flattened or exaggerated facial expressions
Difficulty With Back-and-Forth Conversation
Even before full sentences emerge, toddlers usually engage in “conversation” through babble and gestures. Watch for:
- One-sided talk without pauses for response
- Repeating questions instead of answering them
- Using scripted phrases from videos with no real back-and-forth
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors & Interests
Lining Up Toys or Extreme Attachment to Objects
If your child lines up cars in perfect rows and melts down when one is moved, it may be more than a preference. Other clues:
- Carrying the same object all day, every day
- Intense interest in parts of toys (wheels, tags) rather than the whole
Insistence on Sameness & Rigid Routines
Children with autism symptoms often need:
- The same route to preschool daily
- Identical breakfast plate placement
- Predictable bedtime rituals to the minute
Hand Flapping, Spinning, or Other Stimming
Stimming helps regulate sensory input. Common examples:
- Hand flapping when excited or upset
- Spinning in circles without dizziness
- Rocking while standing or sitting
Other Early Warning Signs Parents Often Miss
Unusual Reaction to Sensory Input
- Over-sensitivity: Crying at hand dryers, vacuum cleaners, or bright lights
- Under-sensitivity: Not noticing cuts, bruises, or extreme temperatures
Regression in Language or Social Skills
About 25 % of children who later receive an autism diagnosis lose words they once had. Red flags:
- Stopping use of “mama” or “dada”
- Losing interest in peek-a-boo or waving goodbye
- Withdrawing from social games like pat-a-cake
Atypical Play Patterns
- Spinning wheels on cars instead of pushing them
- Sorting blocks by color for hours without building
- Fascination with light reflections or shadows
Autism Symptoms by Age: Infants to Preschoolers
0–12 Months: Early Markers
- Limited smiling by 6 months
- No babbling or pointing by 12 months
- Poor visual tracking of moving objects
12–24 Months: Toddler Milestones & Delays
- Few or no two-word phrases by 24 months
- Loss of previously acquired words
- Not following simple instructions like “Bring the ball”
24–36 Months: Pre-School Red Flags
- Speaking only in single words or repeating phrases
- Avoiding peer play or parallel play only
- Tantrums that escalate when routines change
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Notice Autism Symptoms
Step 1: Document Behaviors in a Symptom Journal
Use your phone or a notebook to record:
- Date, time, and context of each behavior
- Triggers and calming strategies that help
- Frequency and duration of repetitive actions
Step 2: Schedule a Screening Appointment
Early screening is free in many states and can be done:
- At your pediatrician’s office
- Through your local early-intervention program
- Via Cadabams CDC’s developmental helpline
Step 3: Prepare for the Evaluation Day
- Bring your symptom journal and any videos
- List questions about therapy options and waitlists
- Plan comfort items (snacks, favorite toy) to reduce stress