Early Signs of Autism: When to Seek an ABA Assessment

Key Points:

• Early signs often involve differences in social interaction, communication and sensory responses.
• If you notice consistent red flags, it is time to consider a professional assessment.
• Beginning therapy sooner rather than later offers your child the best opportunity for meaningful development.

Recognising the early signs of autism can feel overwhelming for many families. This article guides you through what to look for, when the signs indicate it is time to seek an assessment, and how applying an evidence-based approach can support your child’s growth. It is meant to help you, the caregiver, understand the key warning signals and take proactive steps, without medical jargon or unnecessary complexity.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, relates to others, learns and experiences the world. It is a broad spectrum meaning each child shows different strengths and needs.

Importantly, early detection is not about labelling but about opening doors to support and learning. From a practical standpoint, recognising concerns early and exploring interventions gives families more options.

Early Red Flags to Watch For

Every child grows at their own pace, but when developmental differences persist or become more noticeable over time, it may be a sign to look closer. Below are some common early red flags seen in toddlers and young children who may be on the autism spectrum.

Social and Interaction Signs

• Limited or inconsistent eye contact with caregivers or peers
  
• Rarely responds to their name being called
• Limited expression of enjoyment or shared interests
• Prefers playing alone rather than engaging with others
• Struggles to understand or use gestures such as pointing or waving
• Difficulty imitating actions or facial expressions

Communication and Language Signs

• Delayed babbling or absence of typical baby sounds
• Lack of gestures to communicate (e.g., pointing to objects of interest) by around 12–18 months
• Few or no two-word phrases by 24 months
• Sudden loss of words or social skills previously developed
• Unusual tone, rhythm, or pitch when speaking

Behavioural and Sensory Signs

• Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
• Extreme sensitivity or indifference to sounds, lights, textures, or smells
• Strong preference for routines and distress when they change
• Fascination with specific parts of objects, like wheels or spinning items
• Intense focus on narrow interests or repetitive play patterns

Recognising these behaviours does not automatically mean your child has autism. However, if several of these traits persist over time or interfere with daily learning and interaction, it may be worth seeking a professional developmental assessment. Keeping notes on what you observe, how often a behaviour occurs, and in what context, can be extremely helpful for professionals during evaluation.

When Should You Seek an Assessment?

Knowing when to move from observation to action can feel uncertain for many parents. Generally, the earlier a child receives an evaluation, the better the chances of identifying needs and starting helpful support.

Professional Screening Guidelines

• Developmental screenings are recommended during regular checkups, typically at 18 and 24 months, to track communication, motor skills, and social growth.
• If any concerns arise before or after those ages, it is always appropriate to request additional developmental assessments.
• Reliable autism diagnoses can often be made by experienced specialists around age two.

Caregiver “Gut-Check” Triggers

You should consider an evaluation if:

• Your child consistently shows several red flags from the list above
• You or caregivers notice that they develop skills differently than other children their age
• Their behaviours are affecting daily learning, communication, or play
• You have a persistent feeling that something about their development seems “off”

Trusting your instincts is important. Parents often notice subtle differences before professionals do, so if something feels concerning, it’s worth exploring.

Act Sooner Rather Than Later

Early assessments don’t just provide answers, they open doors to meaningful support. Even if your child doesn’t yet have a formal diagnosis, you can begin exploring early intervention services. Acting early allows for personalised learning strategies, stronger communication development, and improved long-term outcomes.

What Happens During an Assessment and Why It Matters

If you decide to move forward with an evaluation, here is what typically happens and why it’s worthwhile.

What to expect

• A developmental specialist will interview you about your child’s history, behaviour patterns and milestones.
• Structured observations or interactive tasks to evaluate social, communication and play skills.
• Possible ruling out of other conditions (e.g., hearing delay, cognitive delay) to ensure the right supports.
• Discussion of strengths as well as areas needing support, the goal is clear guidance, not judgement.

Why it matters

• Early identification opens access to supports and therapies that are most effective when started early.
• It helps families choose tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all.
• It equips you with data and professional feedback that can guide the next steps: therapy, school planning, caregiver training.
  

Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as an Option

When an assessment suggests that your child may benefit from intervention, one of the evidence-based options is applied behaviour analysis (ABA). Knowing how it works helps you make informed choices.

What is ABA?

• ABA is based on the science of how behaviour works: how environment, actions and consequences link together.
• It is designed to increase helpful behaviours (communication, social skills, independence) and decrease behaviours that interfere with learning.

Why timing matters

• Because the brain is more adaptable at younger ages, starting ABA early can yield clearer gains in language, behaviour and social development.
• While ABA can be beneficial at many ages, earlier engagement tends to provide more options and possibly greater outcomes.

Choosing a provider

When looking for a therapy provider or program check that:

• Goals are individualised to your child’s abilities and needs.
• Data is collected regularly and progress is monitored.
• You as caregiver are involved in the process, training and updates.
• There is flexibility to adapt as your child grows.

Practical Steps for Parents and Caregivers

Here are useful actions you can take now to support your child and prepare for assessment or intervention.

• Document observations: keep a simple log of behaviours you notice repeatedly (eye contact, gestures, response to changes).
• Talk openly with the primary healthcare provider (pediatrician) about your concerns and ask for a developmental referral.
• Request screening if the standard check-ups do not cover the signs you observe.
• Start enriching your child’s environment:
  • Use simple gestures and encourage imitation play.
  • Create predictable routines that include transitions to help adaptability.
  • Provide opportunities for peer play and social interaction in a safe way.
    
• Educate yourself: gather information from trusted sources about developmental milestones, typical behaviours and variations.
• Find support for yourself: connect with caregiver groups, local networks or online forums, knowing you are supported.
• If services are delayed, ask about interim support or screenings, waiting need not mean doing nothing.

Supporting Early Identification Through ABA Assessments

Recognizing the early signs of autism can make all the difference in your child’s growth and independence. At Prime Path ABA, we provide comprehensive autism assessments and personalized ABA programs in Colorado and Ohio, helping families take proactive steps toward effective intervention.

Our compassionate clinicians focus on understanding your child’s unique behaviors, communication patterns, and learning preferences, creating a therapy plan that nurtures progress at every stage.

If you’ve noticed developmental delays, limited eye contact, or repetitive behaviors, don’t wait to seek guidance. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and begin your child’s journey toward meaningful, measurable growth.