What Are the Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers or Young Children, and How to Assist Them?

Every child grows at their own pace, and parenting comes with a thousand questions about whether your little one is “on track.” But sometimes, those questions become quiet concerns—about your child’s communication, interest in playing with others, or how they respond to their surroundings. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one possible reason behind these differences.

Autism isn’t an illness or something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s a different way of experiencing the world. The earlier we recognise signs, the sooner we can offer children the support they need to grow and thrive. This article is here to help parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals understand what to look for and what steps can be taken to assist young children on the autism spectrum.

Understanding the Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

ASD can appear in many forms and degrees. Some children show clear signs in infancy, while others may develop typically and then lose skills between 18 and 24 months. Recognising these signs early doesn’t mean making a diagnosis yourself, but being observant can lead to helpful support sooner.

Communication Differences

One of the first things parents often notice is a difference in how their child communicates. This may show up in a variety of ways:

• Delayed speech: Your child might not say single words by 16 months or combine words by age 2.
• Lack of gestures: Waving, pointing, and nodding are common early gestures. If these are missing, it might be a sign of a delay.
• No response to name: You might call your child’s name repeatedly without them looking up, even when there’s no distraction.
• Unusual tone of voice: Some children speak in a flat or sing-song tone, or they might repeat the same phrase again and again without context.
  

Not all children with speech delays are autistic, and not all autistic children have speech delays. It’s the combination of patterns that matters.

Social Interaction Challenges

Children naturally look to others for comfort and connection, but a child on the autism spectrum may seem to be in their world.

• They may avoid eye contact or appear uninterested in playing simple social games like peek-a-boo.
• When you smile at them, they might not smile back.
• Instead of bringing you a toy or showing you something exciting, they might play alone without sharing their joy.
  

These behaviours don’t come from defiance or rudeness—they’re simply signs that your child may experience social connection differently.

Repetitive Behaviours and Focused Interests

Autistic children often find comfort in repetition. You may notice:

• Repeating the same actions over and over, like spinning wheels, lining up toys, or flapping their hands.
• Fixation on specific topics or objects, like playing with one particular toy for long periods or insisting on watching the same video repeatedly.
• Resistance to changes in routine, such as becoming upset if dinner isn’t served in the same dish or a route to daycare is altered.
  

These patterns aren’t about being stubborn. They often help a child feel safe and in control in a world that can feel overwhelming.

Sensory Sensitivities

How autistic children process sensory input—sounds, textures, lights, smells—can be heightened or dulled.

• They might cover their ears when a vacuum starts, cry at the feel of certain clothing fabrics, or be fascinated by lights and patterns.
• You might notice they don’t seem to notice pain or cold, or they may react intensely to everyday sensations.
• Some children develop strong food preferences based on texture rather than taste.
  

Understanding these sensory differences helps families create more comfortable environments for their children.

Observing Behaviours in Real Life Situations

Reading a list of signs is one thing, but many parents wonder what this looks like at home.

You might notice your child doesn’t point to planes flying overhead or bring you a toy to share their excitement. Maybe they prefer to repeatedly play the same stacking game and become distressed if someone tries to change the pattern. At the playground, while other kids chase each other and chat, your little one may sit alone, intensely focused on the feel of sand slipping through their fingers.

Some signs are subtle. A child may talk early but struggle to communicate in a back-and-forth conversation. Others may be affectionate and joyful at home, but show no interest in interacting with peers at preschool.

Every child is different. What matters is noticing when your child’s behaviours feel persistently different from what you see in their peers, not better or worse, just different.

What to Do If You See These Signs

If you’ve started to notice these signs in your child, the next step is not panic—it’s observation and support. Here’s how you can proceed:

1. Take notes: Write down the behaviours you’ve noticed, when they started, and how often they occur. This will help if you decide to speak with a healthcare provider.
2. Talk to your child’s pediatrician: Ask for a developmental screening. This might lead to a referral for a complete diagnostic evaluation.
3. Get an early intervention assessment: In many places, children under three can receive developmental support services through early intervention programs, which don’t require a formal diagnosis.
   

Early help doesn’t mean labelling your child. It means opening the door to strategies and therapies that help them reach their potential.

Supporting a Child Diagnosed with Autism

Once your child has a diagnosis—or even if you’re still waiting—it’s time to focus on practical support. The goal isn’t to “fix” your child but to help them develop communication, social, and life skills in ways that work for them.

Early Intervention Services

These can include:

• Speech therapy to build language and understanding.
• Occupational therapy to support motor skills and daily routines.
• Behavioural therapy, like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), to teach practical skills and reduce stress.

These services are often personalised and provided at home, in schools, or through therapy centers.

Home-Based Support

What you do at home matters just as much:

• Keep routines predictable.
• Use visual schedules to help your child understand the day’s flow.
• Communicate with simple, clear language.
• Celebrate small victories, like trying a new food or saying a new word.
  

Parent and Community Support

You’re not alone. Many communities have support groups, playgroups, and resources for families of autistic children. These can be invaluable for advice, connection, and emotional support.

How to Talk to Others About Your Child (Relatives, Teachers, etc.)

Once you begin noticing signs of autism in your child, or receive a diagnosis, you may find it challenging to explain these differences to others. Relatives might dismiss your concerns with phrases like, “They’ll grow out of it,” or compare your child to others. Educators or caregivers might not fully understand your child’s needs in a classroom or group setting.

Start by focusing on your child’s strengths, then gently explain the areas where they need support. For example, “They’re good with puzzles, but they find group time a bit overwhelming” is often more effective than a clinical explanation. Use simple language: “They need time to warm up to new situations,” or “They communicate best with pictures right now.”

It’s okay to set boundaries. If someone makes unhelpful comments, you can redirect the conversation or share a resource that explains autism in young children. With teachers or daycare staff, ask for a quick meeting and share what helps your child succeed: consistency, sensory accommodations, and visual aids.

The goal is to avoid having your child labelled to others, but to help them understand how to be supportive. The more informed your child’s world is, the more positive and inclusive their environment becomes.

The Process of Getting a Formal Diagnosis

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, the path to a formal autism diagnosis usually begins with your pediatrician. After reviewing your observations and possibly doing a preliminary screening (like the M-CHAT), your doctor may refer you to a specialist. This could be a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist.

The diagnostic process often includes interviews, parent questionnaires, and structured play-based evaluations. One widely used tool is the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), which assesses communication, social skills, and behaviour. You might also be asked about your child’s development history, eating habits, sleeping patterns, and how they handle different environments.

Depending on where you live, there may be an appointment waitlist, so it helps start the process early. A formal diagnosis can open the door to important services and support; speech and occupational therapy, early intervention programs, and sometimes access to funding or educational accommodations.

Even if the word “autism” feels overwhelming at first, a diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is. It simply gives you a clearer understanding of how they experience the world and a way to get them the tools they need to thrive.

The Tomatis® Method: A Listening-Based Approach to Support

One powerful tool that some families turn to is the Tomatis® Method. This approach is based on the idea that listening differs from hearing, and that stimulating the brain through sound can help children process language and emotion more effectively.

What Is It?

The Tomatis® Method uses specially processed music (often Mozart and Gregorian chants) delivered through headphones. The music is filtered to target the ear-brain connection, helping children improve their auditory processing and emotional regulation.

How It Helps

Parents who have used this method with their children often notice improvements in:

• Communication and speech clarity
• Focus and attention span
• Sensory processing and emotional calm
• Better posture and coordination
  

It’s a noninvasive, gentle approach that complements other therapies. Sessions are usually conducted at specialised centres or under the guidance of certified Tomatis® practitioners.

Getting Started

If you’re interested, you can begin by speaking with a certified Tomatis® consultant. Many centres offer an initial assessment to see if the program suits your child’s needs.

Recognising early signs of autism isn’t about labelling a child—it’s about understanding them. If your toddler shows different behaviours, you’re not alone; there are many paths to support.

With early observation, timely intervention, and compassionate care, children with autism can grow into confident, expressive individuals. Whether through therapies, daily routines, or tools like the Tomatis® Method, what matters most is that your child feels seen, supported, and loved for who they are.

Note: This article is informational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers regarding concerns about your child’s development.