Early Signs of Autism in Children
When parents ask, “How can you tell if a child is mildly autistic?” the answer often lies in noticing subtle but consistent patterns. Mild autism, sometimes called high-functioning autism, may appear as differences in communication, social interaction, or behavior. A child might avoid eye contact, have repetitive interests, or seem uncomfortable with changes in routine.
5 early signs of autism include:
- Limited or inconsistent eye contact
- Speech delays or unusual language patterns
- Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping
- Difficulty adapting to changes in schedule
- Challenges understanding facial expressions or social cues
But what age does autism start? In many children, differences become noticeable between 18 months and 3 years old. Some show signs earlier, while others may not receive a diagnosis until later in school. The Mayo Clinic suggests "a small number of children with the condition appear to develop as expected in the first year. Then between 18 and 24 months of age, they may lose some skills and develop autism symptoms."
Recognizing these early signs can help families pursue autism testing and early intervention, both of which support long-term growth.
Final Thoughts with Dr. Pam Wright
As a psychologist who sees caregivers of and children with autism, I always remind parents that early recognition is not about labeling—it’s about opening doors to support. Autism is literally a spectrum, which means signs may range from subtle to very noticeable. If you observe some of the behaviors described here, it doesn’t necessarily mean your child has autism, but it does mean it’s worth discussion and exploration. The earlier families pursue evaluation, the sooner children can benefit from services that foster communication, learning, and emotional well-being. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and remember that noticing the signs is the first step toward helping your child thrive.
In our next article, Autism Red Flags Every Parent Should Know, we explain the biggest early indicators of autism, including the 6-second rule for autism and the 12 signs of Asperger’s.
Dr. Pam Wright is a licensed psychologist and a mental health expert. She is the Founder and Director of The Life Change Group in Peachtree City, Ga. Her psychology practice is a team of therapists, counselors and psychologists offering a wide range of psychological testing and individual, couples and family counseling. Dr. Wright is also a co-host of the "Middle Age(ish)" podcast and has appeared on NBC in Atlanta.