Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental impairment that affects the brain. Kids with ASD often struggle to understand the outside world and show confined interest in the people around them. Autistic kids are often seen to perform repetitive activities and have trouble communicating and understanding non-verbal cues from people around them.

Although autistic kids behave differently than other kids their age, spotting the early signs of autism can still be challenging for parents. It is because a similar behavior is often also exhibited by many other young children. However, there are many early typical warning signs of autism in kids. It is important to be aware of these signs and diagnose autism early to start with the best possible treatments immediately.

What Is It That A Kid With ASD Will Not Do?

Behavioral Differences Based On Age

Toddler up to 12 months

• A child with ASD will not respond to their name.
• Unable to understand the differences between family members and other people.
• Not receptive to normal sounds like voices in a cartoon game, music from toys, etc.
• Don't make an effort to stand.
• Don't mimic any behavior or learn anything from their surroundings.

24 months

• Unable to walk alone without any support or walk only on toes.
• Unable to climb stairs.
• Can’t interact with kids of the same age.
• Don't imitate the behaviors of others.
• Doesn’t understand simple instructions to do a task, such as opening a door.
• The kid has speech problems and can’t speak even simple phrases. 
• Gets demotivated in the company of kids of the same age.
• A kid with ASD will not make eye contact with parents while playing around with them.

36 months

• Unable to understand most of the sentences.
• Limited speech and speaks only a few 6-7 sentences.
• Unable to differentiate objects based on their color and shape.
• Frequent trips and falls.
• Unable to walk even with support.
• They can’t climb or run like other age mates.
• They can’t concentrate on academics and can’t understand characters, words, and numbers.

Behavioral Differences Based On Other Factors

Social Differences

• Zero to little response to parent’s expressions.
• Autistic kids don’t listen to what parents are asking them to do.
• Rarely bring any items to show to their parents.
• Incorrect facial expressions.
• Not empathetic towards other people.
• Unable to interact with age mates and form companionship.

Speech Difficulties

• Autism in children causes impairments in communication. Some kids have excellent communication skills, while others can’t do it at all.
• The kids aren’t good at making conversation and pronouncing words.
• Unable to speak even single words by 18 months or use their own made-up words.
• Parroting is commonly observed in autistic kids. They are often seen repeating someone else’s speech.
• Lack of desire to communicate. 
• Speak without any voice modulation.
• They are interested in noises such as dog bark or car horns. However, the kid shows no reaction to their name.
• They can easily mix up pronouns like We and You.

Differences in Behaviors

• They develop an urge to touch a particular object or surface.
• Autistic children enjoy sleeping on the floor.
• Make repetitive motions of hands and feet, such as clapping, spins, twirling fingers, etc.
• Plays with specific parts of toys. For example, the head of a doll.
• They are not reactive to many general scenarios. For instance, they do not cry even when they are hurt.
• Autistic kids can be susceptible to smells, noises, lights, etc.
• They are inclined to follow strict routines and get aggressive when someone tries to break their strong ritual pattern.

Final Words

Dealing with autistic kids can be challenging for parents. They must understand that their kid is completely fine but only needs to be handled differently. Understand your kid’s behavior and their trigger points and thus gradually make changes.