Have you noticed something different about your 2-year-old’s behavior? It’s not uncommon to be curious about your child’s development. As a professional working with kids every day, I understand your concerns. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is usually noticed in the first or second year of life. In this article, I will break down these signs and provide helpful insights to better understand your child’s behavior.
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What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior. According to the CDC, about 1 in 54 children has been identified with ASD. Signs usually appear in the first or second year of life. Some common early indicators of autism that often emerge around age 2 include:
1. Delayed Speech and Language Skills
One of the most noticeable signs of autism at age 2 is a delay or regression in speech and language development. Whereas a typically developing 2-year-old may have a vocabulary of 50 words or more, a child with autism may have very few or no spoken words by this age. They may not respond consistently to their name, make eye contact, or use gestures like pointing or waving. Echolalia, or the repetition of words or phrases, is also common.
I’ve worked with many families whose 2-year-olds showed significant delays in language milestones. These children often didn’t point to objects, rarely made eye contact, and seemed to be in their own world much of the time. After comprehensive evaluations, many were diagnosed with autism. With early intervention services including speech therapy and play-based therapy, I’ve seen kids make incredible progress in their language development over time.
Read more: What Are Signs of Autism?
2. Difficulty with Social Interaction
Children with autism often struggle with social skills from an early age. At 2 years old, you may notice your child doesn’t show much interest in social games like peek-a-boo or patty-cake. They may not share enjoyment or interests by showing you things they like. During play, they may prefer to line up or sort objects rather than engage in pretend play.
In my practice, I frequently see toddlers with autism who rarely make eye contact or respond to their parents’ smiles. Many don’t like to be touched or hugged. At the playground, they may be content to play by themselves rather than interact with other kids. With interventions focused on building social skills, I’ve watched many kids with autism learn to connect more with their families and peers.
3. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
Another hallmark of autism is the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. These may include:
- Repetitively lining up toys or other objects
- Focusing on parts of objects (e.g. wheels on a toy car)
- Having very narrow, specific interests
- Following rigid routines and having difficulty with change
- Unusual sensory sensitivities (seeking out or avoiding certain sounds, textures, lights, etc.)
- Stereotyped or repetitive movements like hand flapping, spinning, or rocking
A 2019 study found that 88% of children with autism showed restricted and repetitive behaviors by age 2. I’ve seen toddlers who spend hours lining up objects, have intense fascinations with unusual things, and have meltdowns over small changes in routine. With therapy and parental support, I’ve watched many kids learn to be more flexible over time.
Read More: Autism and Understanding Social Cues
Next Steps If You Suspect Autism
If your child is showing signs of autism at age 2, know that you’re not alone. Early intervention is key and with the right support, kids with autism can make incredible progress. Here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns. They can screen your child for developmental delays and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Contact your state’s early intervention program. In the U.S., each state has services for children under 3 with developmental delays. They can connect you with free or low-cost evaluations and therapies.
- Consider an autism evaluation with a psychologist or developmental pediatrician experienced in diagnosing autism. A formal diagnosis can open doors to therapies, accommodations, and support.
| Service | Provider | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Speech therapy | Speech-language pathologist | Ask pediatrician for referral or contact early intervention |
| Occupational therapy | Occupational therapist | Ask pediatrician for referral or contact early intervention |
| ABA therapy | Board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) | Get autism diagnosis, then contact ABA providers or ask pediatrician |
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. With early intervention and ongoing support, kids with autism can thrive and reach their full potential. You’ve got this, and a whole community ready to support you and your amazing kid along the way.
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
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As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Recognizing the signs of an autistic child at age 2 can be challenging, but early detection is key to providing the right support and resources for your child. If you notice any of these signs in your child, consult with a pediatrician or specialist for further evaluation and guidance. Remember, every child is unique, and understanding their individual needs is essential for their growth and development. With the help of tools like Goally, you can support your child’s journey and celebrate their achievements.
Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Autism Speaks
- ZERO TO THREE
FAQs about Signs of An Autistic Child at Age 2
What are common communication signs of autism in a two-year-old?
A two-year-old with autism might have limited speech or not use verbal language at all. They may also not respond to their name or the voice of caregivers.
How do social interactions differ for autistic two-year-olds?
Children with autism may show less interest in social interactions; for example, they might not make eye contact, or seem indifferent to other children. They may not engage in typical toddler play like sharing or pretending.
Are there any repetitive behaviors that indicate autism in toddlers?
Yes, toddlers with autism often exhibit repetitive behaviors such as lining up toys in a specific order, spinning objects, or flapping their hands. These behaviors are soothing to them but can be persistent.
What are sensory sensitivities I should look for in my two-year-old?
Children with autism may have unusual responses to sensory inputs, such as adverse reactions to certain sounds, textures, or lights. Conversely, they might seek out intense sensory experiences like crashing into objects or rocking vigorously.
Can a lack of gestures be a sign of autism in toddlers?
Yes, a significant sign is the limited use of gestures. An autistic child might not use common gestures such as pointing to indicate interest or waving goodbye, which are typical developmental milestones for their age.
This post was originally published on 06/06/2023. It was updated on 05/17/2024.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
