Signs of autism in babies

By 6 months

• Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions

• Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months

• Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

Signs of autism in toddlers

By 12 months

• Little or no babbling

• Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving

• Little or no response to name

By 16 months

• Very few or no words

By 24 months

• Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

Signs of autism at any age

• Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills

• Avoidance of eye contact

• Persistent preference for solitude

• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings

• Delayed language development

• Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)

• Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings

• Restricted interests

• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)

• Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors.