Signs of autism in children ages 12-18 months can be seen in how a child talks, plays, responds to people, explores, or learns new things. Each child develops at their own speed, so some signs may be tough to notice.
Some children may display only one or two signs while others may show more. Having one sign doesn’t mean a child has autism. But if a child frequently shows these changes or loses a skill they previously had, parents should talk to a pediatrician or child development professional. They can help out parents just to understand the child’s development or decide whether further support is needed.
Signs of Autism in Children Ages 12-18 Months
1: Does Not Follow Simple Social Cues
Between 12 and 18 months, toddlers start learning how to reply to people. They may look at a parent’s face, smile back, react to a voice, or look at something when somebody points.
A child showing possible signs of autism at ages 12-18 months may not reply to these social cues frequently. They may:
- Not look when a parent points at a toy.
- Not respond much when somebody smiles.
- Keep playing when someone tries to get their attention.
- Do not copy simple actions like waving or clapping.
- Displays less interest in watching things with other people.
Missing a social cue occasionally is normal. The concern is when a child frequently doesn’t respond to these cues. Parents who notice these signs can consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
2: Does Not Notice Someone Entering
Young children often notice when someone enters or leaves a room. They may look at the person, smile, or get happy when somebody they know arrives.
Some toddlers with signs of autism in children ages 12-18 months may not react when somebody enters the room. They may keep playing or stay concentrated on their toy.
Parents may notice:
- The child doesn’t look at the person.
- The child does not smile or get excited.
- The child plays without looking up.
- The child pays more attention to toys than people.
- The child does not move to a familiar person.
This does not always mean the child does not know the person. It may mean the child responds differently to people. Parents should watch their child’s overall development or talk to a healthcare professional if they have anxieties.
3: Rarely Asks an Adult for Help
Toddlers frequently ask parents or other adults just for assistance when they want it. They may take a toy, give an adult a closed box, point at something, or make sounds to get support.
A probable sign of autism in children ages 12-18 months is when a child rarely tries to get assistance from other people. For example, the child may keep trying to open a box instead of giving it to a parent.
This doesn’t mean each toddler should ask for help. Some children like to do things on their own. Parents should look at the child’s overall behavior and notice whether they frequently avoid asking others for help.
4: Uses People Less During Play
Young children frequently play with their parents or other people. They may roll a ball, share a toy, or play a simple game together. Some children may show little interest in playing with others. They may use an adult mostly when they need something. This may happen often throughout play and everyday activities.
Parents may notice:
- The child pulls an adult’s hand to get something.
- The child doesn’t often share toys.
- The child infrequently requests a parent to play.
- The child often wishes to play alone.
One symbol does not mean a child has autism. If you notice these behaviors often, talk to a healthcare expert.
5: Has Trouble Joining Simple Social Activities
Toddlers learn simple social actions by watching other people. They may wave goodbye, clap, give a high-five, or play simple games. Some children may have anxiety understanding or joining these actions, even after seeing them many times.
Parents may notice:
- The child does not copy easy actions.
- The child does not join simple games.
- The child does not react to a high-five.
- The child does not recognize when it is their turn.
- The child doesn’t repeat familiar actions.
- The child looks uncertain about what to do.
These signs can happen for various reasons. If parents have ongoing concerns, they can talk with a pediatrician or child development professional.
6: Shows Little Reaction to People’s Feelings
Toddlers often notice when people are pleased, sad, or distressed. They may smile when a parent smiles, look at somebody who is laughing, or become silent when somebody cries. A child with possible signs of autism in children ages 12-18 months may not respond much to these feelings.
They may continue playing, not look at the person, or seem not to notice that someone is upset. Parents may notice that the child doesn’t look at a familiar person’s face or change their behavior when somebody is sad or upset.
This does not mean the child has no feelings. The child may only notice or react to other people’s feelings in a changed way.
What Should Parents Do If They Notice These Signs?
If parents notice these signs, they should not try to diagnose autism themselves. They can watch their child and write down what they notice. Parents can share these facts with the child’s doctor. Getting help promptly can support the child’s communication and social skills.
Parents can keep track of:
- Things the child does repeatedly.
- When the behavior typically happens.
- How the child requests things?
- How the child shows what they want or need?
- How the child reacts to parents and other familiar people.
- How the child plays with toys?
- Any skills the child has learned or lost.
- Strong reactions to sounds, touch, foods, or places.
A doctor can look at the child’s overall growth and behavior. One sign does not mean that a child has autism. Parents should consult a doctor if they have worries so the child can get the correct help and support.
When Should Parents Talk to a Doctor?
Parents should consult a pediatrician if they are concerned about their child’s communication, social skills, play, or behavior. They should also request help if their child stops using skills they learned previously, such as talking, pointing, playing, or replying to people.
Parents don’t have to wait for the worries to become serious. A doctor can check out the child’s development and clarify next steps. An evaluation doesn’t always mean the child has autism. It can also help parents just to understand how their child is developing and whether additional support may help. Getting help promptly can support the child’s communication, learning, and social skills.
Also Read: Signs of Autism in Children Ages 9-12 Months
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, signs of autism in children aged 12-18 months may include changes in how a child plays, talks, copies others, reacts to feelings, or interacts with people. Some children may not ask for help, may not react when somebody enters the room, or may have trouble joining simple games.
Each child grows at their own pace, so one behavior does not mean a child has autism. Parents should look at the child’s whole behavior and development. If parents notice some concerns or their child loses skills they previously had, they should consult a pediatrician. RightWay ABA provides early support that can help the child develop key skills.
