Red Flags of Autism in Toddlers

Social communication

• Limited use of gestures such as giving, showing, waving, clapping, pointing, or nodding their head
• Delayed speech or no social babbling/chatting
• Makes odd sounds or has an unusual tone of voice
• Difficulty using eye contact, gestures, and sounds or words all at the same time
• Little or no pretending or imitating of other people
• Stopped using words that they used to say
• Uses another person’s hand as a tool (e.g., putting parent’s hand on a jar for them to open the lid)

Social interaction

• Does not look right at people or hard to get them to look at you
• Does not share warm, joyful expressions
• Does not respond when someone calls their name
• Does not draw your attention to things or show you things they’re interested in
• Does not share enjoyment or interests with others

Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests

• Unusual ways of moving their hands, fingers, or whole body
• Develops rituals such as lining objects up or repeating things over and over
• Very focused on or attached to unusual kinds of objects such as strips of cloth, wooden spoons, rocks, vents, or doorstops
• Excessive interest in particular objects, actions, or activities that interferes with social interaction
• Unusual sensory interests such as sniffing objects or looking out of the corner of their eye
• Over- or under-reaction to certain sounds, textures, or other sensory input
• Very focused on or attached to unusual kinds of objects such as strips of cloth, wooden spoons, rocks, vents, or doorstops
• Excessive interest in particular objects, actions, or activities that interferes with social interaction