Early Signs (0–4 years)

All children develop at their own pace. These signs do not diagnose anything on their own, but they can be useful clues to ask for advice or monitoring.

Communication & Interaction

• Limited eye contact or response to name after 12 months.
• Not pointing to show interest by around 18 months.
• Few words by age 2, or losing words they had before.

Play & Social Interaction

• Prefers objects over people most of the time.
• Repetitive play (lining up toys, spinning wheels) with little variation.
• Finds it hard to join in simple games like peekaboo.

Sensory & Behaviour

• Extreme reactions to noise, textures, or touch.
• Unusual movement patterns (spinning, toe-walking).
• Very rigid about routines, routes, or objects.

What to do if you are worried

Speak to your health visitor, GP or nursery SENCO if something feels ‘not quite right’. You do not need to wait for a crisis to ask for help.