What is one of the earliest signs of autism?

One of the earliest signs of autism spectrum disorder that is often noticed in infancy is differences in social communication and response to social interaction, though signs vary widely between children. For example, many parents and pediatricians notice reduced response to name by 9 to 12 months, less eye contact, less use of gestures like pointing, waving, or showing objects to share interest, and less back-and-forth babbling or smiling. Other early signs can include differences in joint attention, meaning not consistently following where a caregiver points, and differences in play, such as limited pretend play or intense focus on specific objects or spinning parts. Some children may also show sensory sensitivities, like strong reactions to sounds or textures, and preference for repetition. It is important to remember that a single behavior does not mean autism, and many children develop at different rates. Developmental screening is recommended at well-child visits, and if you have concerns about a child's development, talking with a pediatrician, early intervention program, or child development specialist can help guide next steps and evaluation.