While every child develops at their own pace, there are certain behaviours that might indicate autism. These can appear as early as One to One and half years and may include:

1 Social Interaction Challenges:

• Limited eye contact or avoiding eye contact entirely.

• Not responding to their name by 12 months and above.

• Difficulty engaging in back-and-forth play, such as peek-a-boo.

2 Communication Differences:

• Delayed speech or lack of babbling by 12 months.

• Speech regression after 12 to 18 months

• Repeating words or phrases (echolalia) instead of responding directly.

• Difficulty using gestures, such as pointing or waving.

3 Repetitive Behaviors:

• Engaging in repetitive motions, like hand flapping or rocking.

• Fixating on specific objects or parts of objects, such as wheels on a toy car.

• Having a strong need for routines and difficulty adapting to changes.

4 Sensory Sensitivities:

• Overreacting or underreacting to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, or lights.

• Unusual reactions to smells or tastes.

5 Play and Interests:

• Showing little interest in pretend play or imitating others.

• Preferring solitary play over playing with peers.