This guide is for general information. Noticing a sign does not mean your child has a condition, and only a qualified professional can diagnose one. A screening is not a diagnosis.
Children develop at different speeds, and most differences are not a cause for worry. Sometimes, though, a pattern of delay or difference is a signal to look more closely. Early support works best when it starts early, so it is better to ask than to wait and see.
Signs that are worth a conversation with a doctor
Early signs of autism can be easy to miss. The following are examples of red flags in toddlers that have been listed by health authorities. A few of them, especially together, are a reason to talk to your child’s doctor:
- Limited use of gestures such as waving, pointing, showing, clapping or nodding.
- Delayed speech, or little social babbling and chatting.
- Not responding when their name is called.
- Little eye contact, or hard to get them to look at you.
- Not showing you things that interest them, or not sharing enjoyment.
- Little pretending or imitating other people.
- Losing words or skills they used to have. Any loss of language, babbling or social skills at any age is a reason to see a doctor promptly.
- Using your hand as a tool, for example putting it on a jar to open it.
Signs vary widely. Some children show them within the first year, and in others they appear later. Other delays, such as in speech, movement or understanding, are also worth raising, and children can have more than one.
Do not wait and see
The American Academy of Pediatrics (US guidance) recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, at regular check-ups, alongside regular developmental screening. It also says that an official diagnosis is not needed before starting help such as speech therapy, if there are concerns. If you are worried at any age, ask for a developmental screening. Early intervention has been shown to help with learning, communication and social skills.
Free help in India: RBSK and DEIC
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which screens children from birth to 18 years for the “4 Ds”: defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies and developmental delays, including disabilities. Autism is among the conditions covered. Here is how it works:
- Screening. Mobile health teams screen young children (from 6 weeks to 6 years) at anganwadi centres, and children aged 6 to 18 in government and government-aided schools.
- Referral. Children who are suspected of having a developmental delay are referred to a District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC), which is set up at the district hospital for children up to 6 years.
- Care. The services for the selected conditions are meant to be free of cost.
DEICs have been set up in stages, so what is available differs by district. Ask at your district hospital, your anganwadi worker or your paediatrician.
What to do
- Write down what you have seen, with examples. If you can, record a short video of the behaviour.
- Talk to your paediatrician and ask for a developmental screening. A referral to a developmental paediatrician or child development centre may follow.
- Ask at the DEIC if there is one in your district.
- Check hearing and vision, which can affect speech and attention.
- Start supporting at home while you wait: talk, sing, play, read together, and follow your child’s interests.
- Keep the papers. Reports will be needed later for school and for any disability certificate.
Next steps
If a diagnosis or developmental difference is confirmed, see how assessments work in India, visual schedules and starting school.
Sources
- Autism Navigator, Early red flags of autism in toddlers (poster).
- Autism Speaks, Signs of autism.
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clinical screening for autism spectrum disorder (American Academy of Pediatrics screening ages).
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (Vikaspedia, Government of India); National Health Mission summary of RBSK and DEIC; UP NHM: RBSK.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.