With the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the rise – approximately 1 in 31 as of 2025 data released from the CDC – it is more important than ever to recognize the signs of autism in your child. Noticing signs of ASD and getting the support needed can change an individual’s life, and it is clinically proven that early intervention has the biggest impact. We consulted with Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Sarah Miller, to share some potential signs of autism at every age, from babyhood and toddlers, to school-age children and even for teenagers.
Before diving into the signs of autism at each age, it is important to note that all children develop at their own pace and it’s important to consult with a specialist if you have concerns. Sarah stresses that many of these signs individually might not indicate autism, but a combination of the symptoms listed should prompt a discussion with your child’s pediatrician or a developmental specialist.
Signs of Autism in Babies & Toddlers | Ages 18 months to 4 years
- Limited eye contact or difficulty directing attention
- A baby or toddler might have trouble looking at faces, shifting attention between people and toys, or following someone else’s gaze or point.
- Inconsistent response to their name or social interaction
- Caregivers may notice their child doesn’t typically respond when their name is called or doesn’t consistently engage with familiar caregivers through smiles, gestures, or shared enjoyment.
- Limited attempts to get attention or share experiences
- Some children may not try to show toys, point to interesting things, smile back, or react during social games like peek-a-boo.
- Delayed or limited communication skills
- This may look like reduced babbling or cooing in infancy, few spoken words in toddlerhood, or limited attempts to communicate wants and needs.
- Repetitive language or scripting
- A toddler may repeat the same words or phrases over and over, often copying lines from favorite shows or movies instead of using language to communicate (this is called scripting or echolalia.)
- Repetitive behaviors or stimming
- These can include rocking, spinning, toe-walking, gazing off, or becoming intensely focused on certain movements or objects. Stimming can help children regulate their bodies, but frequent or intense patterns may be a sign of autism when paired with other behaviors.
- Playing with toys in non-functional ways
- Instead of using toys as intended, a child may line them up, stack them repeatedly, or focus on one part of a toy (such as a spinning wheel) rather than engaging in imaginative or creative play.
- Sensory sensitivities or differences
- Some children may be extremely sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or clothing, while others may not react to loud noises, bright lights, or certain sensations at all.
- Unusual response to pain or physical sensations
- A child may not react as expected to bumps, falls, or temperature changes.
- Strong interest in unusual objects or very specific interests
- Babies and toddlers may become fixated on things like fans, appliances, or one specific topic or toy, often wanting to play with or watch the same thing repeatedly and showing little or no interest in expanding their interests.
- Limited social play or imitation skills
- A child may not engage in parallel play, attempt to copy simple actions (like clapping or waving), or try to direct a caregiver’s attention by pointing or showing objects.
- Difficulty with early daily life skills
- Challenges with communication or sensory awareness may contribute to struggles with routines like toilet training as the child gets older.
Signs of Autism in Kids | Ages 5 to 11
- Difficulty navigating peer relationships
- Children may want friends but struggle to initiate interactions, join group play, or maintain friendships in age-appropriate ways.
- Challenges with back-and-forth conversation
- Conversations may feel one-sided, scripted, or focused on a preferred topic, with difficulty recognizing when others want to speak or change subjects.
- Trouble understanding social rules and expectations
- This can include difficulty following classroom norms, understanding personal space, interpreting tone of voice, or recognizing unspoken social rules.
- Limited emotional expression or difficulty reading emotions
- Facial expressions, tone, or body language may appear flat or mismatched, and the child may struggle to recognize emotions in others.
- Difficulty expressing needs, feelings, or frustrations clearly
- Even with strong vocabulary, some children have trouble explaining what they need or how they are feeling, which can lead to meltdowns or withdrawal.
- Reduced or limited imaginative play
- Compared to peers, children may engage less in pretend play, cooperative games, or creative storytelling, preferring structured or predictable activities.
- Increased rigidity around routines and rules
- A strong need for routine may show up as distress when schedules change, rules aren’t followed exactly, or expectations feel inconsistent.
- Strong emotional reactions when things feel “out of order”
- Children may become upset if objects are moved, plans change, or environments don’t match their expectations.
- More noticeable repetitive behaviors or speech in social or academic settings
- Stimming behaviors (such as hand flapping or rocking) or scripted language may become more apparent during stress, excitement, or sensory overload at school.
- Difficulty with group learning and cooperation
- Working in teams, taking turns, compromising, or shifting roles during group activities may be especially challenging.
- Heightened sensory challenges impacting school participation
- Noise levels, lighting, crowded spaces, or textures may interfere with attention, behavior, or emotional regulation in the classroom.
- Deep, time-consuming interests that limit flexibility
- Interests may become more intense and interfere with learning, peer interaction, or the ability to engage in a variety of activities.
Signs of Autism in Teens | Ages 12 to 18
- Continued difficulty forming and maintaining friendships
- Teens may want social connection but struggle with deeper peer relationships, group dynamics, or understanding social hierarchies common in adolescence.
- Challenges interpreting emotions and nonliteral language
- This can include difficulty reading facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, sarcasm, humor, or figurative language.
- Highly specific interests that limit social or academic flexibility
- Interests may become very narrow or intense, with little interest in discussing or participating in topics outside of those preferred areas.
- Reduced or avoided eye contact in social settings
- Eye contact may feel uncomfortable or overwhelming, particularly during emotionally charged or prolonged interactions.
- Difficulty understanding social rules
- Teens may not naturally “pick up on” unwritten social expectations, such as appropriate conversation topics, personal boundaries, or changing social norms.
- Challenges following indirect, multi-step, or implied instructions
- Group instructions, vague expectations, or unspoken assumptions (common in middle and high school) may be especially difficult to navigate.
- Executive functioning challenges
- Teens may struggle with planning, organization, time management, prioritizing tasks, or completing assignments independently (often referred to as executive functioning skills).
- Sensory-related challenges with hygiene and self-care
- This can show up as not noticing hygiene needs (like showering or brushing teeth) or being extremely particular about cleanliness, textures, or routines around self-care.
- Increased rigidity and distress around change
- Unexpected schedule changes, social plans, or transitions may cause heightened stress or emotional dysregulation.
What To Do If Your Child Shows Signs of Autism
If you notice consistency with several of these signs in your child, it is important not to panic. Autism spectrum disorder is just that, a spectrum. Your child can still live a happy and fulfilling life no matter what! It is, however, important to seek support in areas of need for your child no matter their age. For babies up to 48 months of age, the STAT screening is a great option. Select clinics offer these screenings for free, check availability near you: Free STAT Screenings.
For children older than 48 months, it is recommended to begin having conversations with your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider. Express your concerns and get their expert advice on next steps. You can also contact a developmental pediatrician or a social services professional who can guide you through what next steps might look like for your family.
Surpass Behavioral Health offers support through in-clinic and school-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy as well as through positive behavior support services (PBSS). Learn more about our services and contact us to get connected with support today!
