As parents watch their children grow and develop, they naturally celebrate each milestone—first smiles, first words, first steps. But sometimes, parents begin to notice differences in how their child interacts with the world around them. These observations, though sometimes subtle, can be the first indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

At FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and multidisciplinary therapy team work with families every day who are navigating these early concerns. Understanding what early signs of autism to look for —and knowing that early intervention can make a meaningful difference—empowers parents to take the next steps with confidence and hope.

The Parent’s Perspective: Trust Your Instincts

Parents are often the first to notice when something feels different about their child’s development. These observations aren’t about comparison or judgment. They’re about knowing your child and recognizing patterns that don’t quite fit what you expected. The signs of autism in toddlers can vary widely from child to child, but certain behaviors tend to emerge during the toddler years that prompt parents to seek guidance.

Social Communication Differences

One of the earliest and most common concerns parents express involves social communication. Research indicates that children who are later diagnosed with autism often show differences in how they engage socially from as early as six months of age.

Eye Contact and Social Attention

Many parents report that their toddler seems less interested in looking at faces or making eye contact during interactions. According to recent peer-reviewed research, young children with autism may display reduced eye contact, decreased response to their name, and less frequent social smiling compared to typically developing peers. These differences in social attention can affect how children connect with caregivers and learn from their environment.

Response to Name

A particularly telling sign that parents frequently notice is when their toddler doesn’t consistently respond when their name is called. While all young children can be absorbed in play and momentarily tune out the world, children with autism may show a persistent pattern of not turning or looking when called, even in quiet settings.

Joint Attention

Joint attention—the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person—is a crucial building block for language and social development. Parents might notice that their toddler doesn’t point to show them interesting things, doesn’t follow when the parent points to something, or doesn’t seem interested in sharing experiences. Research shows that difficulties with joint attention can be observable as early as 12 months and are often one of the more reliable early indicators of autism.

Communication and Language Patterns

Delayed or Atypical Language Development

While language delays alone don’t indicate autism, parents often express concern when their child isn’t babbling by their first birthday, doesn’t have words by 16 months, or loses words or skills they once had. Some children with autism may develop language but use it in unusual ways—repeating phrases from videos verbatim (echolalia) or speaking in a sing-song voice.

Reduced Vocalizations

Research has found that infants later diagnosed with autism may show atypical vocalization patterns, including reduced canonical babbling and fewer socially directed vocalizations during the first year of life. Parents might notice their baby seems quieter than expected or doesn’t engage in the typical back-and-forth “conversation” of coos and babbles.

Behavioral Patterns and Interests

Repetitive Behaviors

Parents frequently observe repetitive movements or behaviors—hand flapping, spinning, rocking, or lining up toys in precise patterns rather than engaging in imaginative play. While many young children enjoy repetition and routine, the intensity and persistence of these behaviors in children with autism often stands out.

Intense or Unusual Interests

Some toddlers develop intense fascinations with specific objects or topics—vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, letters, or numbers. While strong interests are normal in development, the singular focus and resistance to shifting attention to other activities can be a distinguishing feature.

Sensory Sensitivities

Many parents notice their child reacts strongly to sensory experiences—becoming distressed by certain sounds, textures, or lights, or conversely, seeming to under-respond to sensory input like pain or temperature. As noted in current research, sensory sensitivities can be identified as early as eight to ten months and become increasingly predictive of autism diagnosis between 12 and 24 months.

Motor Development Considerations

While not always the first concern parents voice, delays or differences in motor development can accompany autism. These might include delayed sitting, walking, or coordination difficulties. Fine motor challenges may also be present, affecting skills like self-feeding or manipulating toys.

The Critical Importance of Early Intervention

The earlier autism is identified, the sooner intervention can begin—and timing matters profoundly. The toddler years represent a period of exceptional brain plasticity, when neural pathways are rapidly developing and are most responsive to therapeutic input.

Research demonstrates that early behavioral intervention can enhance developmental outcomes, improve social integration, and support overall long-term well-being for children with autism. The developing brain’s capacity to form and strengthen connections means that early, consistent intervention can help shape developmental trajectories in meaningful ways.

Early intervention allows families to:

• Learn strategies to support communication and social engagement
• Address challenging behaviors before they become entrenched patterns
• Build on their child’s strengths while supporting areas of difficulty
• Connect with other families and resources in the autism community
• Help their child develop essential life skills during critical developmental windows

ADOS Testing at FOCUS Therapy

When parents have concerns about their child’s development, getting an accurate assessment is the essential first step. FOCUS Therapy offers ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) testing, a gold-standard diagnostic tool used to evaluate autism spectrum disorder in children.

The ADOS is a structured, play-based assessment that allows trained clinicians to observe social interaction, communication, play, and behaviors in a natural, engaging context. This assessment, combined with developmental history and other evaluation tools, helps determine whether a child meets diagnostic criteria for autism and provides crucial information for developing an individualized intervention plan.

Having access to diagnostic services within a multidisciplinary therapy clinic means families can move seamlessly from evaluation to intervention, without long waits or navigating between multiple providers.

Behavior Consulting: Support During the Wait

One of the most challenging realities families face after an autism diagnosis is the wait for comprehensive therapy services. Waitlists for ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can stretch for months, leaving families feeling helpless during a time when intervention is most critical.

FOCUS Therapy’s behavior consulting services serve as a vital bridge during this waiting period. Our BCBAs work with families to:

• Provide parent training and coaching on evidence-based strategies
• Help manage challenging behaviors that may be emerging
• Teach communication and social skills in the home environment
• Support daily routines and transitions
• Offer guidance on creating structured, supportive home environments
• Connect families with community resources and support networks

This stop-gap support ensures that children continue to make progress and families feel equipped with tools and knowledge while they await more intensive services. Rather than simply waiting, families can actively support their child’s development from the moment of diagnosis.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Support

Autism affects multiple areas of development, which is why FOCUS Therapy’s multidisciplinary model is so valuable. Our team includes:

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who provide ABA therapy and develop comprehensive behavior intervention plans
• Speech-Language Pathologists who address communication, language, and feeding/swallowing challenges
• Occupational Therapists who support sensory processing, motor skills, and daily living activities
• Behavior Consultants who provide targeted parent training and support

This collaborative approach means that all aspects of your child’s development are addressed in a coordinated way, with team members regularly communicating to ensure consistency and maximize progress.

If you’re noticing early signs that concern you, trust those instincts. Seeking evaluation doesn’t mean something is definitively wrong—it means you’re being proactive about your child’s development. And if your child does receive an autism diagnosis, know that this is not an ending, but a beginning. A beginning of understanding your child better, accessing supports that can help, and connecting with a community of families who share your journey.

At FOCUS Therapy, we’ve seen countless children make remarkable progress when intervention begins early and families are equipped with knowledge, strategies, and support. We understand the fears and questions that come with recognizing developmental differences in your child, and we’re here to walk alongside you with expertise, compassion, and hope.

When to Seek Evaluation

Consider reaching out for a developmental screening or ADOS evaluation if your toddler:

• Doesn’t respond consistently to their name by 12 months
• Shows limited or no eye contact during interactions
• Doesn’t point, wave, or use gestures by 12 months
• Doesn’t say single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
• Loses language or social skills at any age
• Shows intense distress with changes in routine
• Engages in repetitive movements or behaviors that interfere with daily activities
• Doesn’t engage in pretend play by 18 months
• Shows unusual responses to sensory experiences

Know that every child develops at their own pace, and the presence of one or two of these signs doesn’t necessarily indicate autism. However, if you have concerns, seeking professional guidance provides either reassurance or early access to supports that can make a difference.

At FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers, our team is ready to support you with comprehensive evaluation (ADOS testing), evidence-based intervention, and compassionate guidance. Whether you’re just beginning to have concerns or you’re already navigating an autism diagnosis, we offer the services and expertise your family needs.

Early recognition leads to early intervention, and early intervention opens doors to possibility. Let us partner with you in supporting your child’s unique developmental journey.

FOCUS Therapy is a comprehensive pediatric therapy clinic in Fort Myers, FL, offering ABA therapy, ADOS testing, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and behavior consulting for parents.

Additional Resources:

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: Early Signs and Therapeutic Interventions, Turki Abualait et al., 2025, Children

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