The Meeting Matters Team · 2026-10-17
Parents often notice that something is different before anyone else does: a toddler who does not respond to their name, who is not talking, or who plays in an unusual way. Noticing early matters because support in the early years makes a real difference. This guide explains the early signs of autism, what is typical, and how an assessment works. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose autism, and a sign on this list does not mean a child is autistic.
What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a difference in how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world. It includes difficulty with social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. It is a spectrum, so children differ widely in their strengths and needs.
Early Signs in Babies and Toddlers
- Limited eye contact, or not responding to their name by around 12 months.
- Not pointing or showing objects to share interest.
- Not babbling, gesturing or waving by 12 to 18 months.
- Few or no words by 16 months, or losing words or skills they had.
- Less interest in other children or in games like peekaboo.
- Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping or spinning, or lining up toys.
- Strong distress at small changes in routine.
- Unusual reactions to sounds, textures or lights.
Many children show a few of these without being autistic. What matters is how many appear together and how long they last.
Autism or a Speech Delay?
A child with a speech delay usually communicates in other ways: they point, gesture, make eye contact and want to play with others. A child with autism may also have limited use of gestures and less interest in sharing. Hearing problems can also look like speech delay, so a hearing test is part of any assessment.
What an Assessment Involves
- A detailed developmental history from parents.
- Observation of the child playing and interacting.
- Structured developmental or autism-specific tools used by trained clinicians.
- Checks of hearing, speech and language, and other health issues, often with a paediatrician or speech therapist.
Assessment is usually a team effort. A psychologist can assess development and behaviour and guide parents. At The Meeting Matters, see our pages on autism support and assessment and psychological assessment. Where a formal diagnosis or other therapies are needed, we will tell you who else to see.
Where to Start
If you are worried, do not wait. Speak to your paediatrician or a child psychologist, and ask for a hearing check. Keep notes and short video clips of what concerns you, since children sometimes behave differently in the clinic.
How You Can Support Your Child Now
- Talk, sing and read together, and narrate what you do.
- Follow your child's lead in play, and join in with what they like.
- Use simple words and gestures, and pause to give them time to respond.
- Keep routines predictable, and prepare for changes.
- Limit passive screen time in the early years.
Parent Guidance and Therapy
Early support often combines parent coaching, play-based therapy and, where needed, speech and occupational therapy. Parent guidance helps you build communication into everyday life. See play therapy for children and child psychology.
Next Step
You can book a session online, or message us on WhatsApp and we will suggest a suitable child psychologist, usually within 30 minutes. Our clinic is in Islamabad; families across Pakistan and abroad see us by secure video, in English, Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi. Sessions start from PKR 5,000, with 20% off for students, and the fee is the same online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Signs can be seen by 18 to 24 months, and a reliable assessment is often possible by two years, though some children are identified later.
Does vaccination cause autism?
No. Large studies have found no link between vaccines and autism.
Can my child grow out of autism?
Autism is lifelong, but with support, many children make large gains in communication and independence.
Can the first conversation be online?
Yes. Parent interviews and guidance can be done online. Your psychologist will tell you what needs to be seen in person.