• February 7, 2023
• Center for Developmental Psychiatry

What Are the Signs of Autism in Young Children?

When you hear the word “spectrum,” you might imagine a rainbow or a field of beautiful colors. After the release of the DSM-5 in 2013, however, the term gained a new meaning for many parents. That publication marked the shift of autism into a “spectrum disorder” that presents a range of unique symptoms and behaviors.

What do a rainbow and a psychiatric diagnosis have in common?

Like the colors in a rainbow, the signs of autism in young children vary in type and intensity. No two Autistic children see the world in quite the same way. That’s why it can be difficult for caregivers to identify the early signs of the condition in their young children.

Little ones with autism deserve autism treatment from compassionate, knowledgeable professionals. We’ve created this guide to help parents and caregivers understand what to look for when interacting with young children who may be on the spectrum.

Read on to learn more about Autism spectrum treatment and symptoms.

Common Signs of Autism in Young Children

One of the first signs of autism that parents notice in their young children is developmental regression. A verbal or pre-verbal child may lose speech or begin to struggle with communication. They may change the way they play with toys.

Sometimes parents don’t notice anything is unique about their child until they see them in a new context. You might notice your child behaves differently than children in a daycare center or a birthday party.

Early symptoms tend to fall into three categories: communication, social skills, and behavioral differences.

Communication

By 15 months, young children should be using single words to communicate. They are hungry to express their needs in any way possible. They’re typically eager to point, gesture, and engage with children and adults.

You might notice the following specific signs:

• Does not speak
• Repeats what others say verbatim
• Communicates with phrases from favorite media or characters
• Does not respond to their name
• Pronoun confusion
• Becomes distracted mid-conversation
• Does not engage in representative pretend play

In many cases, children with autism have unique strengths in the realm of communication. They may have excellent memories for facts, numbers, or dates. Some young children are hyperlexic, which means they can read without explicit instruction.

Social Skills

Children learn about their world through interaction. In early childhood, young children rely on the adults around them to teach them about what they see and experience. Children with autism do not always pursue this kind of connection without support from a psychiatrist for autism.

You might notice the following social differences:

• Poor or no eye contact
• Does not respond to smiles or facial expressions
• Does not look when someone points at something
• Does not show treasured toys or objects to others
• Facial expressions may not match the social situation
• Does not show concern if a friend cries or gets hurt
• Plays beside others but not with them

It can sometimes be difficult for young children with autism to make friends. Others have few social challenges and thrive in social situations. A psychiatrist for autism can help all children learn how to thrive in social settings, from the playground to the classroom.

Behavioral Differences

We all rely on unspoken rules about how to behave, especially in front of others. Children are often unaware of these cues and must learn them through experience and observation. Children with autism often have more difficulty picking up on subtle rules, and their behavior often reflects this.

Furthermore, because of the aforementioned social and communication challenges, Autistic children find novel ways to express themselves. Behavior is a way to ensure you meet their needs. It can sometimes be a manifestation of anxiety, frustration, or overstimulation.

Here are common behavioral differences in Autistic children:

• Self-stimulating behavior like hand flapping, spinning, or toe-walking
• Attachment to routines and order
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, and/or smells
• Self-expression through socially inappropriate noises
• Tantrums or melt-downs
• Plays with toys in unexpected ways

Some children may benefit from autism physiotherapy treatment in addition to working with a specialist at a psychotherapy center. Once you receive a formal diagnosis, you can pursue a range of helpful therapies and interventions.

What Does Autism Look Like?

To better understand the spectrum of symptoms, it can be helpful to think of autism in metaphorical terms.

Imagine a group of young children working on an arts and crafts project. They are all gluing supplies onto a paper plate. They select items from bowls of pom poms, pipe cleaners, macaroni shapes, tissue paper squares, and more.

Some children might glue a small amount of every craft supply onto their plates. Other children will have a lot of one supply and less of another. Even when working from the same “buffet” of supplies, each child’s project will ultimately be a unique masterpiece with its own beauty and challenges.

Now imagine that your child is the plate, and the craft supplies are the common signs and symptoms of autism. One child may have a lot of sensory challenges but no communication challenges. Another child might have a little of everything, from physical stims to social difficulties.

When we talk about the spectrum, we’re talking about the amount and intensity of symptoms that inform your child’s unique experience of the world. An autism spectrum specialist can help you identify your child’s strengths and challenges. They will adapt their autism spectrum disorder treatment to meet their unique combination of symptoms and encourage their healthy development.

Understanding Autism in Young Children

Autism is a spectrum, so no two children with an autism diagnosis will look or act entirely the same. Still, parents need to be aware of the signs of autism in young children. The sooner you begin working with an autism spectrum disorder specialist, the sooner your child can learn the skills they need to thrive.

At the Center for Developmental Psychiatry, treatment is always as unique as your child. When children begin treatment at our autism treatment center, they begin to make gains immediately. Progress starts with a consultation, so reach out today to watch your child bloom at CDP.