Early Signs of Autism: When to Seek an Autism Diagnosis for Your Child

As a parent, it’s natural to notice every little milestone—first words, first steps, first smiles. But sometimes those milestones look different, or they don’t come when expected. If you’ve wondered whether your child’s development might be pointing to autism, you’re not alone. Understanding the early signs of autism and knowing when to seek an autism diagnosis can make a big difference in getting the right support.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Research consistently shows that children who receive an autism diagnosis at a younger age benefit from earlier intervention. This can lead to stronger communication skills, improved daily living skills, and better long-term outcomes. The earlier a family has answers, the sooner they can access therapies, school supports, and community resources that help children thrive in the world.

Early Signs to Watch For

Not every child shows the same signs, but some of the most common early indicators include:

• Delayed Speech or Language – Not babbling by 12 months or not using single words by 16 months.

• Limited Eye Contact – Rarely looking at you when their name is called or avoiding shared attention.

• Repetitive Behaviors – Hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating the same words or actions over and over.

• Strong Interests or Fixations – Intense focus on specific toys, objects, or routines.

• Social Differences – Preferring to play alone, not pointing to share interest, or struggling with pretend play.

It’s important to remember: these behaviors don’t always mean autism. But if you’re seeing several of them consistently, it may be time to pursue a professional evaluation.

When to Seek an Autism Diagnosis

If you’ve brought up concerns with your pediatrician and still feel unsure, or if you’ve noticed developmental differences that persist over time, seeking a formal autism diagnosis can provide clarity. Parents often begin the process when:

• Speech or developmental milestones are significantly delayed.

• Teachers or caregivers raise consistent concerns.

• Social challenges or meltdowns are impacting daily life.

• You feel like “something is different,” even if you can’t pinpoint why.

What the Diagnosis Process Looks Like

Let's break it down simply. An autism diagnosis will typically look like this:

1. Parent/Caregiver Interview – Sharing your child’s developmental history.

2. Standardized Testing – Assessments like the ADOS-2 that measure communication, play, and behavior.

3. Observation – A psychologist watching how your child interacts, plays, and communicates.

4. Feedback Session – Clear results, explanations, and recommendations for next steps.

   
   

Ready to Get Started?

Getting an autism diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is—it simply gives you the information and resources to better support them. Whether the evaluation confirms autism or points in another direction, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding and a plan.

At Nova Psychology, our licensed psychologists provide compassionate, evidence-based evaluations to help families get the answers they need. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact us today to schedule an autism evaluation.