Signs of Autism in Preschool Children

A guide for parents & carers:

There are traits you might notice in your preschool aged child that could suggest they are autistic. Below is a list of common communication and behaviour signs to look out for.

Communication

Talking:

• Delayed speech development. For example, by age 2, your child might use fewer than 10 words.
• Losing speech skills they had for three months or more.
• Unusual ways of talking, like repeating words or phrases (called echolalia), using a flat tone, or calling themselves by their name instead of “I.”
• Using fewer words to talk even if they can make sentences.
• Talking only to ask for things or say “no,” but not to chat about what’s happening.

Responding to others

Your child might:

• Not answer to their name even though their hearing is fine.
• Not smile back at people.
• Not react to others’ facial expressions or feelings.
• Strongly avoid requests or demands (demand avoidant behaviour).
• Dislike cuddles unless they ask for them.

Interacting with others

Your child might:

• Not understand personal space or reacting strongly when others get too close.
• Not show interest in other children or rejecting them. They may try to play but in ways others don’t understand.
• Prefer to play alone instead of with others.
• Find it hard to enjoy activities like birthday parties.
• Not share their excitement about things they like.

Eye contact, pointing, and gestures

Your child might:

• Not use gestures like pointing or facial expressions to communicate.
• Avoid eye contact or not looking where others point.

Behaviour

Imagination and play:

• Take part in less pretend play or limited types of play. They may like to play with the same toys in the same way over and over.

Interests and routines:

• Repeat movements like hand flapping, spinning, or rocking.
• Play in repetitive ways, like opening and closing doors.
• Focus on details, like the wheels of a car.
• Be very interested in specific topics or objects.
• Prefer to stick to routines and getting upset when things change.
• Have strong reactions to sounds, textures, smells, or tastes. They may refuse certain foods or only eat specific ones.