Early Signs of Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Action

By Michelle McGuinness, M.A., CCC-SLP | WellChild Center for Development

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects social communication, play, and behavior patterns. Signs often appear within the first two years of life, though every child’s strengths and needs look different. At WellChild Center for Development, we help families recognize the early signs of autism and access diagnostic evaluations and developmental screenings so children can get the right support early on.

Every baby develops at their own pace — but when certain social or communication skills don’t appear on time, it can be a sign to check in.

• 0–6 Months
  • Limited eye contact or smiles
  • Doesn’t look at faces during feeding or cuddles
  • Rarely coos or “talks back” to voices
• 6–12 Months
  • Doesn’t consistently respond to their name
  • Rarely shares smiles or joyful expressions
  • Prefers objects over people
  • Limited back-and-forth sounds or gestures
• 12–18 Months
  • Few or no gestures (pointing, waving, nodding)
  • Doesn’t point to show interest or request something
  • Rarely imitates or shares enjoyment
  • Loss of words or gestures once used (regression)
• 18–24 Months
  • Little or no pretend play
  • Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, spinning, lining up toys)
  • Strong need for sameness; distress with small changes
• 2–3 Years
  • Limited interest in peers or difficulty joining play
  • Echolalia (repeating words or phrases) without flexible use
  • Sensory differences — may seek or avoid sounds, lights, or textures
  • Picky eating or unusual reactions to touch

According to the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics, developmental screenings should occur at 9, 18, and 30 months, and autism-specific screenings at 18 and 24 months. Parents should request an autism evaluation if a child shows any of the following:

• No big smiles by 6 months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No gestures (pointing, waving) by 12 months
• No single words by 16 months
• No two-word phrases by 24 months
• Any loss of language or social skills at any age

If you’re concerned, don’t wait for a formal diagnosis — you can begin Early Intervention or speech therapy based on observed needs.

Autistic children often show remarkable strengths — focus, memory, pattern recognition, and deep interests that can become powerful learning tools. At WellChild, we encourage families to build on these strengths by using their child’s interests to teach communication, play, and regulation skills.

At WellChild Center for Development, our licensed psychologists and speech-language pathologists perform comprehensive autism and ADHD evaluations through a mix of play-based observation, caregiver interviews, and standardized assessments. We assess:

• Communication & Language — how your child expresses wants, needs, and ideas
• Social Interaction — eye contact, play, and shared enjoyment
• Behavior & Flexibility — routines, transitions, and emotional regulation
• Sensory Differences — reactions to sound, touch, light, and textures

Results help families understand whether their child meets criteria for autism, ADHD, both, or another developmental profile — and, most importantly, what supports to start immediately.

You don’t need special equipment — everyday routines are full of opportunities to build connection:

• Narrate your actions: “We’re putting on your shoes!”
• Pause and wait: Give space for your child to respond or gesture.
• Follow their lead: Talk about what your child is looking at or doing.
• Use visuals and gestures: Pictures, pointing, and signs reduce frustration.
• Celebrate all communication: Whether speech, sign, or AAC, connection comes first.

• 1–2️⃣ Track behaviors and collect short videos of daily routines.
• 3–4️⃣ Add visual supports like choice boards or “First/Then” cards.
• 5–6️⃣ Create communication opportunities with toys or snacks just out of reach.
• 7–8️⃣ Visit your pediatrician and request an ASD screening (e.g., M-CHAT-R/F).
• 9–🔟 Call Early Intervention (Birth–3) or your local school district (age 3+) for evaluation referrals.

Early action reduces stress and opens doors to therapy and community support faster.

At WellChild Center for Development, we make the evaluation process approachable, evidence-based, and family-centered.

• 🧑‍⚕️ Licensed clinical psychologists & speech-language pathologists
• ⏱️ Fast scheduling — virtual & in-person options across Florida
• 💰 Affordable pricing & interest-free payment plans
• 💬 Clear next steps for therapy and school referrals

Whether you’re in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, our team is here to guide your family through the autism screening and evaluation process with empathy and expertise.