# My 18–24 month old is showing signs of Autism Spectrum — what should I do?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-18-to-24-month-old-is-showing-signs-of-autism-spectrum-what-should-i-do
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

At 18–24 months, signs such as limited eye contact, not responding to name, few words or gestures, and repetitive play are worth acting on. Have hearing checked, book a developmental assessment, and keep building face-to-face connection at home. Early support — not waiting — gives toddlers the widest window to grow.

*When you notice the early signs, the most powerful thing you already have is your attention — and acting on it early changes everything.*

## In short
If your 18-to-24-month-old is showing signs that concern you — limited eye contact, not responding to their name, few or no words or gestures, lining things up or strong distress at change — the best next step is a developmental check now, not waiting. At this age, signs are absolutely worth acting on: a structured assessment can guide support early, when a toddler's brain is most responsive. Early therapy is not about a label — it is about building communication, connection and play skills while the window is widest.

## What is worth noticing at 18–24 months
At this age these are real, watchable signs — not proof of anything, but reasons to seek a check:
- **Communication** — not pointing to show you things, few or no single words, loss of words once used, not responding to their name by 12–18 months.
- **Social connection** — little eye contact, not sharing smiles back, not following your point or gaze, preferring to play alone.
- **Play and behaviour** — lining up or spinning objects, distress with small changes in routine, repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking), strong reactions to sounds, textures or lights.

Many toddlers show one or two of these and develop typically — and some signs overlap with hearing concerns or simple late talking. That is exactly why a qualified assessment matters: it tells you what is actually going on, instead of leaving you to worry alone.

## What to do now
- **Book a developmental check** — bring your specific observations and, if you can, a short phone video of everyday play and how your child responds to their name.
- **Have hearing checked** — always rule this out first, as it affects speech and response.
- **Keep building connection at home** — get face-to-face at their level, follow their interests, name what they look at, and pause to give them a turn to respond.

## The Pinnacle way
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care. Our role is to understand your child's whole profile and start the right early support quickly.
- Start here: [book a developmental check](/)
- Build words, gestures and connection: [speech therapy](/speech-therapy)
- See how we profile strengths and needs: [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated)

## Trusted sources
Framed in line with WHO and ICD-11 developmental guidance, CDC developmental milestone resources, and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance (HealthyChildren.org), all of which support early screening and acting on parental concern rather than waiting.

**Next step —** book a developmental check now to understand what you are seeing and start the right support early. Reach the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181.

## Sources
- CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- AAP — HealthyChildren.org developmental guidance: https://www.healthychildren.org
- WHO ICD-11: https://icd.who.int

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Toddler-18-24: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/age/toddler-18-24
- Context: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/context
- Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support

## Related question paths

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early Signs of Autism Spectrum at 18–24 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-autism-spectrum-in-an-18-to-24-month-old

### Understand assessment
- Can Autism Spectrum be diagnosed in an 18-to-24-month-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-autism-spectrum-be-diagnosed-in-an-18-to-24-month-old
- Can Autism Spectrum be diagnosed in a 12-to-18-month-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-autism-spectrum-be-diagnosed-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
- Can Autism Spectrum be diagnosed in a 2-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-autism-spectrum-be-diagnosed-in-a-2-year-old
- Can Autism Spectrum be diagnosed in a 3-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-autism-spectrum-be-diagnosed-in-a-3-year-old
- Can Autism Spectrum be diagnosed in a 9-to-12-month-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-autism-spectrum-be-diagnosed-in-a-9-to-12-month-old

### Explore therapy & support
- Signs of Autism at 12-18 Months: What Should I Do?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-12-to-18-month-old-is-showing-signs-of-autism-spectrum-what-should-i-do
- My 2-year-old is showing signs of autism — what should I do?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-2-year-old-is-showing-signs-of-autism-spectrum-what-should-i-do
- My 3-year-old is showing signs of Autism Spectrum — what should I do?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-3-year-old-is-showing-signs-of-autism-spectrum-what-should-i-do
- My 9–12-month-old shows signs of autism — what should I do?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-9-to-12-month-old-is-showing-signs-of-autism-spectrum-what-should-i-do