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Early Signs of Autism in Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers & School-Aged Children

Every child develops differently, and children can grow, communicate, and interact in their own unique ways. However, some children may show differences in communication, social interaction, play, behaviour, emotional regulation, or sensory processing that could be associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Recognising possible signs of autism early can help families better understand their child’s needs and access support, guidance, and assessments if needed.

This autism checklist by age is designed to help parents, caregivers, teachers, and families identify possible signs and traits that may appear from infancy through to primary school age.

Important: This checklist is not designed to diagnose autism. Many children may show some of these traits without being autistic. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speaking with a qualified health professional may help provide clarity and support.

At Belong Health, our multidisciplinary team supports children and families across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, and wider Western Australia through Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Psychology, Counselling, and Positive Behaviour Support services.
Before You Start

​Every child develops differently.
Some children may show a few of these signs and not be autistic, while others may show different patterns entirely.
​
If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s okay to explore it further.
A Guide for Parents

​This checklist is designed to help you reflect on what you may be noticing in your child.
This is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you:
  • Identify patterns
  • Feel more confident in what you’re seeing
  • Decide on your next steps
Signs of Autism at 12 Months

Some babies may begin showing early developmental differences within the first year of life.

Communication Differences
Your baby may:
  • Rarely babble or make back-and-forth sounds
  • Not imitate sounds or facial expressions
  • Show limited response to their name
  • Use fewer gestures such as waving or pointing
  • Make less eye contact during interactions

Social Interaction Differences
Your baby may:
  • Prefer playing alone
  • Show limited interest in faces
  • Not smile socially very often
  • Seem less interested in interactive games like peek-a-boo
  • Not consistently respond to caregivers

​Sensory Differences
Your baby may:
  • Become distressed by certain sounds or textures
  • Seek repetitive movement
  • Show unusual reactions to lights or noises
  • Be highly sensitive to touch or clothing
Signs of Autism at 18 Months

​By 18 months, many children begin using gestures, words, imitation, and interactive play more consistently.

Communication Differences
Your child may:
  • Use very few words
  • Not point to objects they want
  • Have difficulty following simple directions
  • Echo sounds without clear meaning
  • Show limited imitation skills

Social Interaction Differences
​Your child may:
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Prefer solitary play
  • Not bring toys to show others
  • Have difficulty engaging with peers or siblings
  • Show limited interest in shared activities

Behaviour & Play Differences
Your child may:
  • Repeatedly line up toys
  • Become upset with changes in routine
  • Focus intensely on specific objects
  • Repeat movements such as hand flapping or rocking
Sensory Differences
Your child may:
  • Cover ears to everyday sounds
  • Seek spinning or movement
  • Avoid certain textures or foods
  • Become overwhelmed in busy environments
Signs of Autism at 2 Years

​Around age 2, developmental differences may become more noticeable as communication and social expectations increase.

Communication Differences
​Your child may:
  • Have delayed speech development
  • Repeat words or phrases
  • Struggle to answer simple questions
  • Use limited gestures or facial expressions
  • Have difficulty expressing wants or needs

Social Interaction Differences
Your child may:
  • Not consistently respond to their name
  • Show limited interest in other children
  • Prefer playing independently
  • Struggle with turn-taking
  • Have difficulty understanding emotions

Play Differences
Your child may:
  • Engage in repetitive play
  • Prefer organising or lining up toys
  • Show limited pretend play
  • Become highly focused on one topic or activity

Emotional Regulation Differences
Your child may:
  • Experience frequent meltdowns
  • Become distressed by transitions
  • Have difficulty calming after becoming upset
  • Struggle in unfamiliar environments
Signs of Autism at 3 Years

​By age 3, children often begin developing more complex language, pretend play, and peer interactions.

Communication Differences
Your child may:
  • Speak in unusual tones or patterns
  • Repeat phrases from shows or conversations
  • Have difficulty with conversation
  • Struggle to understand questions
  • Use language differently from peers

Social Interaction Differences
Your child may:
  • Find group activities difficult
  • Have limited interest in friendships
  • Prefer predictable routines
  • Avoid eye contact during conversation
  • Have difficulty understanding social rules

Play & Imagination Differences
Your child may:
  • Engage in repetitive pretend play
  • Prefer structured routines during play
  • Focus intensely on specific interests
  • Struggle with flexible thinking during games

Sensory Differences
Your child may:
  • Be sensitive to loud noises
  • Avoid certain clothing textures
  • Seek sensory input such as jumping or spinning
  • Become overwhelmed in shopping centres or daycare settings
Signs of Autism at 4-5 Years

Preschool and early school years often increase social and communication demands.

Communication Differences
Your child may:
  • Have difficulty maintaining conversations
  • Take language very literally
  • Struggle with back-and-forth communication
  • Miss social cues or facial expressions
  • Have difficulty understanding humour or sarcasm

Social Interaction Differences
Your child may:
  • Find it difficult to make friends
  • Prefer playing alone
  • Struggle with cooperative play
  • Become anxious in social situations
  • Have difficulty understanding others’ emotions

​Behaviour & Routine Differences
Your child may:
  • Become distressed by changes
  • Need strict routines
  • Show repetitive movements or behaviours
  • Develop intense interests in specific topics

Emotional Regulation Differences
Your child may:
  • Become overwhelmed easily
  • Have emotional outbursts after school
  • Struggle with flexibility
  • Experience anxiety around transitions
Signs of Autism at 6–8 Years

As children enter primary school, social and emotional differences may become more noticeable.

School & Learning Differences
Your child may:
  • Find group work difficult
  • Struggle with classroom transitions
  • Become overwhelmed by noise or busy environments
  • Have strong interests in specific subjects
  • Need additional support with organisation

Social Interaction Differences
Your child may:
  • Want friendships but struggle socially
  • Misunderstand social rules
  • Prefer interacting with adults
  • Find conversations difficult
  • Have trouble interpreting body language

Emotional Regulation Differences
Your child may:
  • Experience anxiety or school refusal
  • Become emotionally exhausted after school
  • Need significant downtime after social situations
  • Have difficulty coping with unexpected changes

Sensory Differences
Your child may:
  • Avoid certain foods or clothing
  • Seek movement or sensory input
  • Be highly sensitive to sound, smell, or touch
  • Become distressed in crowded environments
Signs of Autism at 9–10 Years

Some children’s differences may become more noticeable in later primary school years as social expectations become increasingly complex.

Social Differences
Your child may:
  • Have difficulty maintaining friendships
  • Prefer structured or predictable interactions
  • Find teamwork challenging
  • Misunderstand humour, tone, or sarcasm
  • Feel socially isolated

Emotional Regulation Differences
Your child may:
  • Experience anxiety or overwhelm
  • Become frustrated easily
  • Mask difficulties during school hours
  • Show increased emotional exhaustion at home

Communication Differences
Your child may:
  • Have difficulty understanding implied meanings
  • Struggle with conversational flow
  • Speak formally or very fact-focused
  • Prefer discussing favourite topics

Executive Functioning Differences
Your child may:
  • Struggle with organisation
  • Find planning difficult
  • Need support with transitions
  • Become overwhelmed by multiple instructions
What Should You Do If You Notice Signs of Autism?

If you notice several ongoing traits or developmental differences, it may help to speak with:
  • Your GP
  • Child Health Nurse
  • Paediatrician
  • Psychologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Speech Pathologist
Early support can help children better understand their strengths, needs, communication styles, sensory preferences, and emotional regulation.

At Belong Health, we support children and families across Western Australia through:
How Occupational Therapy Can Help Children with Autism

Occupational Therapists (OTs) can support children with:
  • Emotional regulation
  • Sensory processing
  • Attention and concentration
  • Fine motor skills
  • Daily living skills
  • School participation
  • Social interaction
  • Play skills
  • Routines and independence

​Our team provides therapy at:
  • Home
  • School
  • Community settings
  • Clinic
  • Telehealth
How Speech Pathology Can Help Children with Autism

Speech Pathologists can support:
  • Communication development
  • Social communication skills
  • Understanding language
  • Expressive language
  • Play and interaction skills
  • AAC and alternative communication
  • Feeding and mealtime difficulties
Related Resources
Do You Need a Diagnosis First?

Not always.
Many children begin support based on their needs, without a formal diagnosis.
Starting Support Early

​Support can begin at any stage and may include:
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Pathology
  • Psychology support
  • Parent coaching
A Quick Note for Parents

If you’ve made it this far, it likely means you’re paying close attention to your child, and that matters.

You don’t need to have everything figured out today.

Taking the next small step is enough.
Need Help Understanding What You’re Seeing?

We work with families across Perth and Mandurah who are at this exact stage; noticing, questioning, and figuring out what to do next.

Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Or contact us to talk through your situation
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here
Use this with your GP or Therapist
You can bring this checklist to appointments to help explain what you’ve been noticing.

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

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Frequently Asked Questions Autism by Age
​
What are the early signs of autism in children?
Early signs of autism may include differences in communication, social interaction, play, emotional regulation, routines, or sensory processing. Every child develops differently, and signs can vary.

At what age can autism signs appear?
Some children may show signs of autism within the first 12–18 months, while others may not show noticeable differences until preschool or school age.

Can autism signs appear gradually?
Yes. Some children show signs from infancy, while others may show differences more gradually as social and communication expectations increase.

Can a child show autism traits without being autistic?
Yes. Some children may show traits commonly associated with autism without meeting diagnostic criteria. A comprehensive assessment can help provide clarity.

Is autism a disability?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is recognised as a developmental disability in Australia. It is also understood as a neurodevelopmental difference, with each person having unique strengths and support needs.

What are autistic meltdowns?
Autistic meltdowns are intense responses to overwhelming situations or sensory overload. They are not the same as tantrums and may be linked to stress, anxiety, communication difficulties, or sensory overwhelm.

How long can autistic meltdowns last?
Meltdowns vary in length depending on the person, environment, stress level, and available supports. Some may last minutes, while others may take longer to recover from.

How can you support an autistic person during overwhelm?
Helpful strategies may include reducing sensory input, using calm communication, providing space, maintaining predictable routines, and supporting emotional regulation.

Do autistic people cry when overwhelmed?
Some autistic people may cry, shut down, withdraw, or experience meltdowns when overwhelmed. Everyone responds differently to stress and sensory overload.

What happens when you yell at an autistic child?
Yelling may increase anxiety, overwhelm, and distress. Calm, supportive, and predictable approaches are generally more helpful for emotional regulation.

Why do some autistic children only eat certain foods?
Some autistic children may have sensory sensitivities related to texture, smell, temperature, taste, or appearance. Feeding difficulties may also relate to routine, predictability, or anxiety.

What foods do autistic people dislike?
Food preferences vary widely. Some people may avoid foods with certain textures, smells, colours, flavours, or mixed consistencies due to sensory sensitivities.

Why do some autistic people prefer beige foods?
Some children prefer predictable foods such as plain pasta, bread, crackers, or nuggets because they have consistent textures, flavours, and appearances.

Are autistic children affectionate?
Many autistic children show affection in their own ways. Some enjoy hugs and physical closeness, while others prefer different ways of connecting.

Do autistic children love their parents?
Yes. Autistic children experience love, connection, and attachment, although they may express emotions differently.

How do autistic people handle stress?
Autistic people may use routines, sensory supports, quiet spaces, movement, special interests, or emotional regulation strategies to manage stress and overwhelm.

What is the best therapy for autism?
There is no single best therapy for autism. Support should be individualised based on the person’s strengths, goals, sensory profile, communication style, and support needs.

How can Occupational Therapy help autistic children?
Occupational Therapists can support sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily living skills, fine motor skills, routines, play, school participation, and independence.

How can Speech Pathology help autistic children?
Speech Pathologists can support communication, social communication, understanding language, expressive language, feeding difficulties, and AAC supports.

What activities are good for autistic children?
Activities may include sensory play, movement activities, arts and crafts, swimming, Lego, music, outdoor play, pretend play, and structured routines tailored to the child’s interests.

What are fun activities for autistic adults?
Autistic adults may enjoy activities that match their interests and sensory preferences, such as gaming, art, fitness, nature walks, music, technology, crafting, or structured social groups.
Autism Support Services Across Western Australia

​Belong Health supports children and families across:
  • Perth
  • Mandurah
  • Rockingham
  • Baldivis
  • Regional WA
  • Telehealth Across Australia

​We provide multidisciplinary support for children of all ages with autism, ADHD, developmental differences, sensory processing differences, emotional regulation difficulties, and communication challenges.
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