By Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation
As a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, you play a vital role in a child’s development. Perhaps you’ve watched this child take their first steps and start to discover the world around them. But what if something seems just a little off? The child isn’t responding to their name or appears more interested in lining up toys than in playing with others. Trust your instincts and speak up—because early identification of autism can make a difference in helping them thrive.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, interacts, and experiences the world. Many people with autism have significant cognitive impairments and need constant care, while others can hold high-powered jobs and live independently. Everyone with autism is unique but there are common signs that can help you identify early indications in a child, and often grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives notice these signs first, as their experiences raising children can help them recognize behaviors new parents might not notice.
Often the first noticeable sign is that a baby isn’t making eye contact because babies typically engage with others through visual cues. Infants with autism may not smile when smiled at or when interacting with a caregiver. Older infants may fail to develop gestures, like waving bye-bye or pointing to objects they want. They may make very few babbling and cooing sounds. Toddlers may not engage in make-believe play or might use a caregiver’s hand to help complete tasks instead of using their own. They may exhibit a greater interest in objects than people and engage in repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping or moving their bodies in unusual ways. Repetitive interactions with objects, such as lining them up or spinning them, are also common.
Children with autism often establish strict routines and can become upset if these routines are disrupted. They may also develop strong attachments to unusual objects or exhibit atypical reactions to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, or textures. Additionally, they might seek out specific sensory experiences, like watching repetitive movements. Being aware of these early signs in an infant is crucial, and recognizing them can help ensure timely intervention and support for a child’s development.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—talk to a doctor or other medical professional. A doctor can help evaluate whether there might be a developmental concern and refer you to specialists who can guide you through the next steps. If you’re a relative, don’t be afraid to speak up. In my case, the early signs were first noticed by my daughter’s preschool teacher. When she raised her concerns with me, I didn’t respond well, and frankly, I used words that didn’t belong in any pre-school. However, a few months later, after my daughter was thriving in a special education preschool, I returned to her, bagels in hand, and expressed my gratitude.
The Autism Science Foundation is proud to partner with organizations like the Security Traders Association to drive research and improve outcomes for individuals with autism. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to offer guidance, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or another family member. The Autism Science Foundation’s website also provides valuable information and resources to help you recognize the early signs of autism. Recognizing the early signs of autism can feel overwhelming, but remember—you’re not alone. Many people have faced similar experiences and, thanks to our investment in research, we know a lot more now about how to intervene. The most important thing is to seek help if you have concerns. With early support, children with autism can achieve their fullest potential. The sooner you seek assistance, the better the outcome for your loved one.