Signs of autism in toddlers: what parents can look for
Written by the Brighters team · Clinically reviewed by Kannika Bharath Iyengar, Clinical Lead & Assessment Specialist
6 min read · Published 22 October 2026 · Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Maybe your toddler doesn't turn when you call their name. Maybe they would rather line up toys than play with you, or they have fewer words than other children their age. Many parents start by quietly wondering, and then search for answers late at night. This guide explains the early signs that clinicians look for, how screening works, and when it makes sense to ask for an assessment. It is general information, not a diagnosis, and a few signs on their own do not mean your child is autistic.
What autism is, in everyday terms
Autism is a difference in how a child communicates, connects with other people, and experiences the world around them. It shows up as a mix of differences in social communication and repetitive or very focused behaviours, and it looks different in every child.
The signs often become noticeable in the second year of life. Some children are noticed earlier and many later. What matters is the overall pattern, how long it has been there, and how it affects everyday life, not any single sign.
Signs in speech and language
Some autistic children start talking late, some talk early, and some lose words they once had. These are the markers that usually prompt a closer look:
- no babbling or cooing by 12 months
- no gestures (such as waving or pointing) or words by 12 months
- no single words by 16 months
- no two-word phrases (such as "more milk") by 24 months
- an unusual rhythm, pitch or volume when speaking
- any loss of words or skills the child once had
If your child has lost words or skills they used to have, please speak to your paediatrician promptly instead of waiting.
Repetitive behaviours and sensory differences
The second group of signs is about repetition and the senses. A child may be intensely absorbed in objects or parts of objects, like spinning the wheel of a toy car again and again instead of driving it. They may flap their hands or rock, or get very upset when a small thing in the routine changes. Some children are very sensitive to sounds, lights, textures or tastes, and others seem not to react to them at all. Meltdowns can be very intense and hard to settle, and sleep can be difficult.
What these signs do not mean
One sign is not a diagnosis. Children can show several of these signs for other reasons, including a hearing difficulty, a language delay, or simply a quieter, more particular temperament. And a child who makes good eye contact or talks well can still be autistic. Some children, including some girls and children who talk early, show the signs more subtly and are noticed later.
This is why a careful assessment looks at the whole picture, not a checklist.
Screening at 18 and 24 months
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months, and at any age when a concern comes up. A widely used parent questionnaire at this age is the M-CHAT-R/F, validated for children from 16 to 30 months. Your paediatrician can go through it with you.
A screening result is not a diagnosis. If a screen raises concerns, the usual next step is a closer follow-up or a referral to a specialist. And you don't need to wait for the next screening if you are worried in between.
What an autism assessment involves
A qualified clinician brings together several sources of information: your child's developmental history, your own description of what you see at home, a structured rating scale, and direct observation of how your child plays and interacts. No single test decides.
At Brighters, the autism assessment is led by a psychologist over video. It pairs the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) with the clinician's observation of your child at play, guided by you or a therapist, along with developmental history. For children under 3, the M-CHAT-R/F screening questionnaire is used. The report explains in plain language whether autism is indicated, not indicated, or whether more information is needed, and what that means for your child day to day.
If you are worried, here is what to do
- Talk to your child's paediatrician and ask for a developmental and autism screen, even if your child is not yet 18 months.
- Ask for a hearing check if your child does not respond to their name or to speech.
- Write down specific examples with dates, and keep a short video of the behaviour that worries you. Clinicians find these very useful.
- Don't wait and see if the worry stays with you. Early support does not depend on a diagnosis, and you can ask for an assessment whenever you are concerned.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can autism be assessed?
Signs can be noticed from around the first birthday, and screening is recommended at 18 and 24 months. A full assessment can be considered whenever there are concerns. The clinician chooses tools that suit the child's age.
My child makes eye contact. Can they still be autistic?
Yes. No single sign decides it. Clinicians look at the overall pattern across communication, play, behaviour and sensory responses.
Is a screening questionnaire the same as a diagnosis?
No. A screening questionnaire such as the M-CHAT-R/F only shows whether a closer look is a good idea. A diagnosis needs a fuller assessment by a qualified professional.
Does a late start to talking mean autism?
Not by itself. Late talking has many causes, including hearing difficulties and language delay. It is a reason to ask for a developmental check, not a conclusion.
This article is general information for parents. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis, and it does not replace an assessment by a qualified professional. If you are worried about your child, speak to your child’s doctor.
Signs in how your child connects with people
Clinicians pay close attention to how a child relates to others. You might notice that your child often does not respond when you call their name, even though their hearing seems fine. They may make little eye contact, or look at you less than you would expect during play. They may not point to show you something that interests them, or to share the fun of it. Other children, and sometimes even family members, may seem to interest them less. And they may not look for an object that you hide in front of them.