Early Signs of Autism by Age Group
These are signs that may indicate autism, not a diagnostic checklist, and only a licensed professional can make a diagnosis. Many autistic children show some of these signs, and many non-autistic children show them too. Loss of previously acquired skills at any age is always worth discussing with a pediatrician promptly.
About This Guide
These are signs that may indicate autism, not a diagnostic checklist. Many autistic children show some of these signs. Many non-autistic children show them too. Only a licensed professional can make a diagnosis. The goal here is to give parents language for what they are observing.
Ages 0-2: Early Indicators
Signs in the first two years may include avoiding or not keeping eye contact, not responding to their name by 9 months, few or no gestures such as pointing or waving by 12 months, no babbling by 12 months, loss of previously acquired speech or social skills at any age, limited facial expressions, and unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel. Loss of previously acquired skills at any age is always worth discussing with a pediatrician promptly.
Ages 2-5: Emerging Patterns
Between ages 2 and 5, patterns may include differences in play (parallel rather than interactive, interest in parts of objects), language differences (echolalia, scripted speech, unusual tone), difficulty with transitions, strong sensory responses, limited imitation, differences in emotional expression, and hyperlexia (reading words above expected level with lower comprehension). CDC notes that by age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable, though many children are diagnosed later.
Ages 5-12: School-Age Patterns
In school-age children, signs often become more visible in social contexts: difficulty with unstructured time, challenges with unwritten peer social rules, intense interests in specific topics, sensory challenges in school environments, meltdowns or shutdowns after school, and executive function challenges. Masking can hide signs during this period and delay diagnosis. A 2021 study found autistic girls camouflaged more than autistic boys, which may delay recognition of their needs.
Sources
- CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- CDC: Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Autism spectrum disorder, language milestones and loss of skills
- Wood-Downie et al. (2021), Sex/Gender Differences in Camouflaging in Children and Adolescents with Autism, J Autism Dev Disord
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this guide tell me if my child is autistic?
No. These are signs that may indicate autism, not a diagnostic checklist, and only a licensed professional can make a diagnosis. Many autistic children show some of these signs, and many non-autistic children show them too. The goal is to give parents language for what they are observing.
What are early signs of autism in children ages 0 to 2?
Signs in the first two years may include avoiding or not keeping eye contact, not responding to their name by 9 months, few or no gestures such as pointing or waving by 12 months, no babbling by 12 months, loss of previously acquired speech or social skills at any age, limited facial expressions, and unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel.
What signs might appear between ages 2 and 5?
Between ages 2 and 5, patterns may include differences in play, language differences such as echolalia, scripted speech, or unusual tone, difficulty with transitions, strong sensory responses, limited imitation, differences in emotional expression, and hyperlexia. CDC notes that by age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable, though many children are diagnosed later.
What does autism look like in school-age children ages 5 to 12?
In school-age children, signs often become more visible in social contexts: difficulty with unstructured time, challenges with unwritten peer social rules, intense interests in specific topics, sensory challenges in school environments, meltdowns or shutdowns after school, and executive function challenges.
Why might signs be missed in girls and gender-diverse children?
Masking can hide signs during the school-age years and delay diagnosis. A 2021 study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found autistic girls camouflaged more than autistic boys, which may delay recognition of their needs.
When should I talk to a pediatrician promptly?
Loss of previously acquired speech or social skills at any age is always worth discussing with a pediatrician promptly.
We are not doctors. We are advocates. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about diagnosis, treatment, or any decision regarding your health or your child's health.