I Think My Toddler Might Have Autism. What Are the Signs I Should Look For?
- Chris Topham
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
You've been watching your little one for weeks, maybe months. Something feels a little different, but
you can't quite put it into words. Maybe they're not making eye contact the way other kids do. Maybe certain sounds send them into a tailspin. Maybe they've stopped saying words they used to say.
First, we want you to take a breath. Noticing these things doesn't make you a worried parent who's overreacting. It makes you a parent who's paying attention, and that's one of the most important things you can do for your child right now.
We're a team of BCBAs who are also parents and caretakers of a neurodivergent teen ourselves. We know this territory from both sides of the table. So let's walk through the early signs of autism in toddlers together, what to look for, what to do next, and how to find the right support for your family.
What Are the Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers?
Autism looks different in every child. That's one of the things that makes it tricky to spot, especially in the toddler years when kids develop at wildly different paces. But there are some patterns worth knowing.
Here's what we often see in toddlers who are later diagnosed with autism:
Limited or no eye contact during interactions
Not responding to their name by 12 months
Limited pointing, waving, or showing objects to others
Delayed speech or loss of words they previously used
Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
Strong preference for routines and distress when things change
Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or tastes
Little interest in other children or imaginative play
Seeing one or two of these doesn't automatically mean autism. But if several feel familiar, it's worth having a conversation with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist.
Autism Red Flags in Toddlers: What Pediatricians Watch For
Pediatricians use developmental screening tools like the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), to identify autism red flags in toddlers at the 18-month and 24-month well visits. These screenings look at social communication, joint attention, and play skills.
According to the CDC's developmental milestones, by 12 months, most children point to things, wave goodbye, and look where others are pointing. By 18 months, they're saying at least a few words and showing interest in playing alongside other kids. If these milestones are significantly delayed or absent, it's worth bringing up.
If your child's pediatrician doesn't bring it up, you can. There is no 'too early' when it comes to asking questions about your child's development.
What Age Is Autism Usually Noticed? Earlier Than You Might Think.
This is one of the questions we hear most from parents. The short answer: autism can often be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 to 24 months, though many children aren't diagnosed until age 3, 4, or even later, sometimes because early signs were subtle or misattributed to other factors.
Research shows that the earlier intervention begins, the better the outcomes for most children. The brain is incredibly plastic in the early years, which means early ABA therapy and developmental support can make a meaningful difference in communication, social skills, and daily living.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal autism screening at 18 and 24 months, regardless of whether there are visible concerns. That's why keeping up with well-child visits is so important, even when your child seems to be doing fine.
If you're noticing something and your gut is telling you to pay attention, trust it. You know your child better than anyone.
What's the Difference Between Autism and Late Talking in Toddlers?
This is one of the trickiest areas for parents and, honestly, for clinicians too. Not every late talker has
autism, and not every child with autism is a late talker. The distinction matters because it shapes what kind of support will help most.
Late talkers typically have age-appropriate social skills. They make eye contact, they engage in back-and-forth play, they understand what's being said to them, and they use gestures like pointing and waving. Their challenge is primarily expressive language, getting words out.
Children with autism often show a broader pattern that includes differences in social communication beyond just speech. They might not point to share interest (called 'declarative pointing'), might not look to see your reaction when something exciting happens, or might not engage in the kind of pretend play you'd expect. These social and communication differences are what set autism apart from a typical speech delay.
A speech-language pathologist or developmental pediatrician can help tease this apart, and if there's any question, an evaluation is always the right move.
How to Tell If Your Toddler Has Autism: Trusting Your Instincts and Getting Answers
Parents often tell us they knew something was different long before anyone else believed them. If you're asking 'how to tell if my toddler has autism,' here are some practical next steps:
1. Start a developmental journal
Write down what you're noticing, with examples and dates. 'He doesn't respond when I call his name' is more useful than 'he seems checked out.' Concrete observations help clinicians a lot.
2. Ask for a developmental screening
Talk to your pediatrician at your next visit or call to request an appointment specifically to discuss your concerns. You can ask for the M-CHAT screening or a referral to a developmental pediatrician.
3. Request an early intervention evaluation
If your child is under 3, you can request a free evaluation through your state's Early Intervention program. This is a federally mandated program, and you don't need a diagnosis to access it. If your child is 3 or older, your local school district is required to evaluate them for free.
4. Connect with a BCBA
If you're in the Bay Area, our team at Celeration ABA offers ABA therapy services designed to meet your child and your family exactly where you are. We specialize in early intervention for toddlers and young children, using play-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches that build real skills in real life.
Autism Symptoms in Toddlers Are Just One Piece of the Picture
A diagnosis doesn't define your child. It opens doors.
Autism symptoms in toddlers are the starting point for understanding, not a ceiling. Many of the children we work with go on to develop robust communication skills, deep friendships, and rich, full lives. What makes the difference is early support, the right approach, and a family that knows they're not alone.
Our parent coaching program is built specifically for families in this season, the one where you have a million questions, you're exhausted, and you're trying to figure out what your child needs. We'll walk through it with you.
Toddler Autism Signs: When to Reach Out Right Away
Some signs warrant a call to your child's doctor sooner rather than later. Don't wait for the next scheduled visit if you notice:
Your child loses skills they had before, words, eye contact, social engagement
They seem to be in their own world most of the time, even with familiar people
Meltdowns are frequent, intense, and hard to recover from
They show no words at 16 months or no two-word phrases by 24 months
Regression, losing skills a child once had, is one of the clearest signals to act quickly. If you're seeing this, please reach out to your pediatrician or contact us directly.
The Autism Science Foundation has additional guidance on early signs and what steps to take when you're concerned.
You Are Already Doing the Most Important Thing
Asking the question — even the scary one — is an act of love. The fact that you're reading this, paying attention, and looking for answers tells us everything we need to know about the kind of parent you are.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether your child has autism, another developmental difference, or is simply developing in their own way and time, we're here to help you understand what's happening and what to do next.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to learn more about how Celeration ABA supports Bay Area families. We offer flexible scheduling, no contracts, and a team that genuinely cares, because we've been in your shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the earliest signs of autism in a 1-year-old?
By 12 months, early signs may include not waving bye-bye, not pointing to objects, not responding to their name, and limited eye contact. Some babies may also show reduced babbling or a decrease in social smiling. These signs alone don't confirm autism, but they're worth mentioning to your pediatrician.
Can you get an autism diagnosis before age 2?
Yes. While it's less common, experienced clinicians can reliably diagnose autism as early as 18 months in some cases. Early diagnosis opens access to early intervention services, which research consistently shows leads to better long-term outcomes. If you have concerns, don't wait until your child is older to seek an evaluation.
What's the difference between autism and a speech delay?
Speech delay typically refers to slower-than-expected development of expressive language, while the child's social and play skills remain largely on track. Autism involves a broader pattern of differences — including in social communication, eye contact, joint attention, and sensory processing — that go beyond speech alone. An evaluation by a speech-language pathologist and developmental pediatrician can help distinguish the two.
My toddler makes eye contact sometimes. Can they still have autism?
Absolutely. Autism is a spectrum, and not every child with autism avoids eye contact entirely. Some children make eye contact in comfortable, familiar settings but struggle in busier or more demanding situations. Eye contact is just one piece of the diagnostic picture — other signs and patterns matter too.
Does my child need a diagnosis before starting ABA therapy?
Not always. In California, some funding sources require a diagnosis, but our private pay model at Celeration ABA means families can begin parent coaching and skill-building support without waiting for the formal diagnostic process to be complete. Contact us to talk through your options.
What happens at an autism evaluation for a toddler?
An autism evaluation typically includes a developmental history interview with parents, direct observation of the child's play and social behavior, and standardized assessments. Evaluations are usually done by a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or neurologist. The process can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps. Most families feel relieved to finally have answers — even when the answer is hard to hear.
Is ABA therapy right for every child with autism?
ABA therapy is the most evidence-based approach for supporting children with autism, but what 'ABA' looks like varies widely. At Celeration ABA, we practice neurodiversity-affirming ABA that focuses on building genuine skills — communication, independence, flexibility — in ways that feel natural and child-led. We don't do compliance-based or one-size-fits-all therapy. Every program is tailored to your child.
How do I find an ABA provider in the Bay Area?
Look for a provider that employs BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) who directly oversee your child's program. Ask about their approach, what a typical session looks like, and whether they include parent coaching. Celeration ABA serves families throughout the Bay Area, including Santa Clara County, with flexible scheduling and no long-term contracts. We'd love to connect with you.
