Recognizing the early signs of autism can lead to faster diagnosis and earlier intervention — the two most impactful factors in a child's developmental outcome.
As a parent, you are your child's first and most important advocate. Knowing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make the difference between years of confusion and timely, transformative support.
Red Flags by Age
- 6 months: Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions
- 9 months: Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or facial expressions
- 12 months: Little or no babbling, pointing, or waving
- 16 months: Very few or no words
- 24 months: Very few or no two-word meaningful phrases
If your child shows any of these signs, do not wait. Contact your pediatrician and request a developmental screening. In Bangladesh, organizations like DACAC offer comprehensive evaluations to help families find answers quickly.
Trust Your Instincts
Parents often sense something is different before professionals do. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak up. Early intervention services — including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA — can begin even before a formal diagnosis is confirmed.
Written by
Abdul Hay
DACAC Content Team