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Your toddler doesn’t respond to their name. Your baby rarely points or babbles. Your child spends long stretches repeating the same play pattern.
Many parents wonder: Is this simply a developmental difference — or something worth discussing with a doctor?
As a board-certified pediatrician with Community Health Network, pediatrician, mom and former U.S. Air Force physician, Dr. Amanda Asbury says early autism signs can appear gradually and look different in every child.
“Recognizing patterns early isn’t about labeling a child,” says Dr. Asbury. “It’s about understanding how they communicate and making sure families have the support they need.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction, behavior and sensory experiences. Some children show signs during infancy, while others develop differently as toddlers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, along with ongoing developmental monitoring throughout early childhood.
Early signs of autism in babies and toddlers can include:
Every child develops differently, but repeated patterns across settings may be worth discussing with your child’s pediatrician.
Every child develops at their own pace. However, there are certain social and communication milestones that are important markers in your infant or toddler’s development. Here is a simple age-based checklist of things to look for in your child’s daily routine up to age 2.
Age | Possible Signs to Discuss With Pediatrician |
| Around 12 months | Limited babbling, few gestures, not responding to name, reduced back-and-forth interaction |
| Around 16 months | Few meaningful words, limited pointing, reduced shared attention, difficulty communicating needs |
| Around 24 months | Not combining two words, limited pretend play, repetitive behaviors, strong distress with routines |
Regardless of age, autism signs are often seen in three areas: communications and social interaction, behavior and play, and sensory reactions.
Some children may:
“A loss of developmental skills should always be discussed with a doctor promptly,” says Dr. Asbury.
Parents may notice:
Children with autism may react strongly to:
Dr. Asbury adds, “Some children may also avoid certain sensations, seek sensory input or walk on their toes.”
You do not need to wait until the next well-child visit if something feels concerning.
Developmental differences do not always mean a child has autism, but early conversations can help families better understand a child’s communication, behavior and developmental milestones.
Dr. Asbury encourages parents to trust their observations.
“Parents sometimes worry they are overreacting,” she says. “But those observations matter. You are with your child every day, and what you notice at home helps us understand what support may be helpful.”
Free tools such as the CDC Milestone Tracker app can also help families organize developmental observations to share with a doctor.
Autism screening is part of routine pediatric developmental care and helps providers look more closely at communication, behavior, social interaction, and developmental milestones.
Screening is not the same as a diagnosis, but it can help determine whether a child may benefit from additional evaluation, speech therapy, behavioral support or early intervention services.
“A diagnosis of autism doesn’t change who your child is,” says Dr. Asbury. “It helps us better understand how they experience the world and how we can support them.”
Community pediatricians and family medicine providers can help discuss developmental concerns, complete developmental screenings and connect families with supportive resources when needed.
To take the next step, learn more about the pediatric and family medicine care available at Community's Westfield location.
Dr. Amanda Asbury is a board-certified pediatrician with Community Physician Network. She specializes in newborn and pediatric care, child development, behavioral health concerns, and the early identification of developmental differences, including autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Asbury earned her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine/Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center. She is board certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.
A former U.S. Air Force pediatrician and medical director of a pediatric clinic, Dr. Asbury has advanced training in the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children ages 18 months to 4 years. She is accepting new patients at Community Physician Network Pediatric Care in Westfield.
