# Early Signs of Autism Spectrum at 18–24 Months Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-autism-spectrum-in-an-18-to-24-month-old Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Between 18 and 24 months, early signs linked with autism are mostly about social connection and communication — limited pointing and shared attention, few gestures, not responding to name, fleeting eye contact, very few words, repetitive play and strong sensory reactions. A single sign means little; a cluster, or lost skills, warrants a friendly check. A hearing test is sensible first. A clinical AbilityScore and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle centre under clinician care. *If your toddler isn't pointing, waving or sharing little glances with you yet, it's natural to wonder — and gently noticing now is one of the kindest things you can do.* ## In short Between 18 and 24 months, the early signs people associate with autism are mostly about **how a child connects and communicates** — sharing attention, gestures, eye contact, responding to their name, and first words. A single difference on its own usually means little; it's the *pattern* over time that matters. If several signs appear together, or your gut says something is different, a friendly developmental check helps you understand what your child needs — many toddlers simply need a little extra support to bloom. ## Signs worth gently noticing Around this age, you might watch for a *cluster* of these: - **Limited shared attention** — rarely pointing to show you something interesting, or not following your point or gaze ("look at that!"). - **Few social gestures** — not waving bye-bye, clapping, shaking head or reaching up to be picked up. - **Name response** — often not turning when you call their name, even when hearing is fine. - **Eye contact and back-and-forth** — fleeting eye contact, or less of the playful to-and-fro of smiles, sounds and faces. - **Communication** — very few or no single words by 18 months, or words/babble that have faded. - **Play and interests** — lining up or spinning objects rather than pretend play (feeding a doll, talking on a toy phone); intense focus on one thing. - **Sensory and routine** — strong reactions to sounds, textures or lights, repetitive movements (hand-flapping, toe-walking), or big distress at small changes. None of these *confirm* autism — many are seen in toddlers who are simply developing at their own pace. What guides a check is the **overall pattern**, especially around social connection and communication. ## When to seek a check Don't wait-and-see if you notice several of the above together, if skills your child once had have disappeared, or if your instinct is nudging you. A hearing check is sensible first, since hearing differences can look similar. Reaching out early isn't about labels — it's about giving your toddler the best possible window to grow, when their brain is most adaptable. ## The Pinnacle way AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an online checklist or app. Our team looks gently and holistically at how your child connects, communicates and plays, then builds support that fits your family. Explore [how Pinnacle supports families](/), the way [speech therapy](/speech-therapy) grows early communication, and [what the AbilityScore® is and how it is calculated](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated). ## Trusted sources CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." developmental milestones for 18–24 months; American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on developmental and autism screening in toddlers; ASHA resources on early social communication and play. **Next step —** If several of these signs feel familiar, [book a warm developmental check with a Pinnacle clinician](/speech-therapy) — early understanding helps your child bloom. This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development - AAP HealthyChildren — developmental screening guidance: https://www.healthychildren.org - ASHA — early social communication and play: https://www.asha.org ## 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 - Early Signs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/early_signs ## Related question paths ### 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 - My 18–24 month old is showing signs of Autism Spectrum — what should I do?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-18-to-24-month-old-is-showing-signs-of-autism-spectrum-what-should-i-do - 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