Signs of Autism
You’re doing the right thing
Noticing early is a gift, not an alarm
Trusting your instinct and looking early is one of the kindest things you can do for your child. Early signs are not a diagnosis, and noticing them does not mean something is wrong. It simply means a gentle check can bring answers or reassurance, and where support helps, starting early makes a real difference.
What to look for
What early signs can look like
Autism shows up differently in every child. These are areas parents often notice. Seeing one or two is common and frequently nothing to worry about.
Social connection
Less interest in sharing smiles, cuddles or back-and-forth play than you might expect.
Eye contact & name
Not turning to their name by the first birthday, or limited eye contact during play and feeding.
Gestures & pointing
Slow to babble, point, wave or use gestures to show you things they want or have noticed.
Play & imagination
Preferring to line up or spin objects over pretend play, or playing the same way each time.
Routines & senses
A strong need for sameness, big upset at small changes, or unusual reactions to sound, texture or light.
Language
Late to first words or short phrases, or losing words and skills they once had.
Is it a concern?
Normal, or worth a closer look?
Many of these behaviours are part of ordinary childhood. Here is how everyday variation tends to differ from what deserves a check.
Talking and language
Usually normal
Late talkers who understand you well, use gestures, and connect socially often catch up with time.
Worth a look
Little babble or pointing, not responding to their name, or losing words they once used.
Eye contact and play
Usually normal
Shy or deeply focused children who still share smiles, look to you, and enjoy pretend play.
Worth a look
Consistently limited eye contact, little shared attention, and no pretend or imaginative play.
Routines and repetition
Usually normal
Toddlers who love routine and favourite things, and dislike some changes.
Worth a look
Extreme distress at any change, and repetitive movements that take over much of the day.
Overall development
Usually normal
Uneven progress, ahead in some areas and slower in others, but moving forward over time.
Worth a look
A clear plateau, or losing skills like words, gestures or social interest, at any age.
Guidance only, not a diagnosis. When something feels off, a check brings clarity.
When to seek a check
Signs that deserve a prompt check
Most children with one or two of the earlier signs are developing typically. A few, though, are worth acting on sooner. Consider a developmental check if your child shows any of these:
No response to their name by 12 months of age
No babbling, pointing or waving by 12 months
No single words by 16 months
No meaningful two-word phrases by 24 months
Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills, at any age
Little interest in other children or in shared, back-and-forth play
Very repetitive movements, or intense fixation on parts of objects
Strong, lasting distress at any small change in routine
Any loss of skills, or a strong feeling that something is not quite right, is reason enough to come in. Early support changes outcomes.
Your visit
What a developmental check involves
A calm, unhurried consultation focused on your child and your worries. Screening is not diagnosis, it is a careful, caring look.
1
We listen
You share what you have noticed: the play, the words, the connection, the worries. Nothing is too small.
2
We observe and screen
We watch how your child plays, communicates and relates, using validated developmental screening tools in a relaxed setting.
3
You leave with clarity
A clear picture: reassurance, or a plan and the right next steps, such as speech or occupational therapy where it helps.
Important
Signs are not a diagnosis
Many children with some of these signs are simply growing on their own timeline. Only a full assessment can tell. And whatever the outcome, understanding your child early is never a bad thing: it opens the door to the right support, and to seeing your child clearly, exactly as they are.
About Dr Nisa
A paediatrician who takes your worries seriously
Dr Nisa Khalil is a consultant paediatrician in Kuala Lumpur with a special interest in child development. She has guided many families through developmental worries, and knows how much reassurance, or the right early support, can mean. Her approach is calm, careful and free of judgement.
Consultant Paediatrician · Special interest in child development · English & Bahasa Malaysia
Questions parents ask
Autism signs, common questions
At what age can autism be spotted?
Some signs can appear from around 12 to 18 months, and routine screening is recommended around 18 months. If you have a concern, it is never too early to ask.
Does having some signs mean my child is autistic?
My child makes eye contact and is affectionate, can it still be autism?
What happens after an assessment?
Do I need a referral to see Dr Nisa?
Clarity brings peace of mind.
Whether it turns out to be nothing, or the start of helpful support, you will leave understanding your child better. Book a developmental consultation with Dr Nisa.
Medically reviewed by Dr Nisa Khalil, Consultant Paediatrician
This page is general information for parents and does not replace a personal assessment. If you are worried about your child’s development, please see a doctor. Validated developmental screening tools are used within the clinical assessment, not on this page.