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Early Signs of Autism Checklist

Understanding the early signs of autism can help you get your child the support they need as soon as possible. Early identification matters, because early support can help children build important skills.

Important Reminder

This checklist is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional evaluation. Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child's development, consult with your pediatrician or a qualified autism specialist.

Communication and Language Signs

Limited or no eye contact
Delayed speech development (no single words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months)
Loss of previously acquired language or social skills
Difficulty understanding simple instructions
Limited use of gestures (pointing, waving, reaching)
Unusual tone of voice or speech patterns
Repetitive use of words or phrases (echolalia)

Social Interaction Signs

Limited interest in other children or parallel play only
Difficulty with back-and-forth social interaction
Limited sharing of interests or achievements
Difficulty reading facial expressions or social cues
Prefers to play alone consistently
Limited response to their name being called
Difficulty with joint attention (looking where others point)

Behavioral and Sensory Signs

Repetitive movements (hand flapping, rocking, spinning)
Strong attachment to specific objects or routines
Extreme distress when routines change
Unusual sensory reactions (covering ears, avoiding textures)
Intense focus on specific topics or objects
Repetitive play patterns
Difficulty with transitions between activities

Typical Developmental Milestones

Use these milestones as a general guide. Remember that children develop at different rates, but significant delays may warrant evaluation.

12 Months

  • Responds to their name
  • Uses simple gestures like waving bye-bye
  • Makes eye contact during social interactions
  • Shows interest in peek-a-boo games
  • Imitates sounds and actions

18 Months

  • Points to objects of interest
  • Uses at least 10-15 words
  • Shows affection to familiar people
  • Brings objects to show parents
  • Follows simple one-step directions

24 Months

  • Uses two-word phrases meaningfully
  • Engages in pretend play
  • Shows interest in other children
  • Points to body parts when asked
  • Follows two-step instructions

36 Months

  • Uses sentences of 3+ words
  • Engages in back-and-forth conversation
  • Shows empathy for others
  • Plays cooperatively with peers
  • Understands concept of 'mine' and 'yours'

When to Seek Professional Evaluation

Consider seeking evaluation if your child:

Has lost any language or social skills they previously had
Shows no single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
Does not respond to their name by 12 months
Shows no pointing or gesturing by 14 months
Has several signs from multiple categories above

What Are the Next Steps?

1

Talk to Your Pediatrician

Share your observations and concerns with your child's doctor. They can provide referrals for evaluation.

2

Get Professional Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation by autism specialists can determine if your child meets criteria for autism.

3

Begin Early Intervention

If autism is diagnosed, you can begin early intervention services like ABA therapy.

Additional Resources

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R)

A validated screening tool used by healthcare providers to identify children who may benefit from further evaluation.

Take the screening →

Early Intervention Services

Contact your state's Early Intervention program for children under 3 or your school district for children 3 and older.

Find your state program →

Need Help Understanding Your Child's Development?

Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts can help you understand your child's development and determine if an assessment would be beneficial. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Get startedCall (214) 807-0481