Signs of autism in babies are early differences in how a young child communicates and responds to people, such as not often responding to their name, using few gestures or not using eye contact to share interest. Early signs of autism usually become noticeable during the first 1-2 years of life, and no single sign means a baby is autistic.
This guide explains what parents and carers might notice, how assessment works in Australia and where to find support. It is part of our overview of symptoms of autism.
Raising Children Network says autistic toddlers might not, or only sometimes, respond to their name, use gestures such as waving, or use eye contact to share interest (Raising Children Network). The table below shows what parents might notice in everyday moments.
One of these on its own does not mean a child is autistic. Only a qualified professional can assess this.
Early signs of autism usually become noticeable during the first 1-2 years of life. If anything about your 4-month-old’s development worries you, mention it at your next check.
A health professional is the best person to talk to about a young baby. Later on, the free, evidence-based ASDetect app, developed by La Trobe University, is for checking early signs of autism in children aged 11-30 months (Raising Children Network).
Parents often search for single behaviours. None of these on its own can tell you whether a baby is autistic, and a health professional can check what is behind them.
If your baby has trouble breathing, turns blue or is unresponsive, call 000 straight away.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →Autism can be diagnosed between 12 and 18 months, but diagnosis is usually from around 2 years of age (Raising Children Network). You can ask for help before then.
Early signs of autism usually become noticeable during the first 1-2 years of life, and diagnosis is usually from around 2 years of age. Questions during pregnancy are best taken to your own health team.
Many parents worry about whether they did something to cause autism. This guide does not suggest any way to prevent autism, and the safest step is to talk to your own health team.
Call 000 in an emergency. You can also call Autism Connect on 1300 308 699, a free national helpline delivered by Amaze, open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday (Amaze).
Raising Children Network advises families that their child can get support from Thriving Kids by calling the national phoneline on 1800 882 436 (Raising Children Network). The NDIS early childhood approach is for children younger than 9 with delays in their development or disability, delivered by early childhood partners funded by the NDIA (NDIS).
For other early development questions, see signs of cerebral palsy in babies, and autism awareness month for community events.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →While you wait for appointments or assessments, practical help around the home may ease some pressure on the family. TQN Care provides NDIS support workers for respite, community access and help around the home, but never treatment or diagnosis. See our NDIS services or make a referral and we will call you back to talk about what would help.
Autism is usually recognised as a child grows. Early signs usually become noticeable during the first 1-2 years of life, and diagnosis is usually from around 2 years of age, though it can happen between 12 and 18 months. If you have questions about pregnancy or family history, talk to your GP, midwife or obstetrician.
You cannot tell from one sign. Autistic toddlers might not, or only sometimes, respond to their name, use gestures such as waving, or use eye contact to share interest. A qualified professional assesses this, and diagnosis is usually from around 2 years, though it can occur between 12 and 18 months.
This guide does not suggest any way to prevent autism, and you should be wary of products or websites that claim to. Talk to your GP, midwife or obstetrician about general pregnancy health and any medicines you take, and do not stop or change a medicine without their advice.
Questions about causes are best discussed with a health professional who knows your family. Your GP or paediatrician can talk through your family history and your child’s development, and Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 is a free national autism helpline open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday.