The first sign of autism we noticed in our son Eden was at about ten months old, when he started flicking cups over and over. When we gave him a big bag of new toys, he played with the boxes and wrapping instead. He was diagnosed with autism at two and a half. Early signs differ from child to child, so if you’re worried, talk to your GP.
Looking back, it was the cups.
Ten months old
At about ten months, Eden started flicking cups. Not playing with them the way you’d expect. Flicking them. Over and over, completely absorbed.
Around the same time we bought him a big bag of toys. He ignored the toys and played with the boxes and the wrapping.
Lots of babies do funny things with cups and boxes. On its own it doesn’t mean anything. But it was the first thing that felt different, and it’s the first thing I think of now.
Diagnosis at two and a half
Eden was diagnosed at two and a half. By then there was more: he wasn’t speaking, and his way of engaging with the world was clearly his own.
Where he is now
Eden is 13 now. He plays with his toys, just not in a typical way. He watches his TV and chooses his own shows by pointing at the screen. Years ago we didn’t think either was possible.
I’m not sharing this to diagnose anyone’s child. I’m sharing it because when you’re the parent noticing something small, it helps to know other people noticed something small too.
Worth knowing
If a child is autistic, early signs usually appear in the first one to two years of life. Some children show many signs, others only a few.
Raising Children NetworkRepetitive play, like flicking, spinning or lining things up, and unusual interest in parts of objects can be early signs. They’re never proof on their own.
Raising Children NetworkDifferences in babbling, gestures, responding to their name and shared attention are other areas health professionals look at.
Raising Children NetworkIf you’re noticing something
- Write it downNote what you see and when. Short videos on your phone help a lot when you see a doctor.
- Start with your GP or child health nurseThey can check development and refer you to a paediatrician or assessment team.
- Trust yourselfYou know your child. If something feels different, it’s worth asking, and it’s okay to ask again.
Questions people ask
What are the first signs of autism in babies?
Early signs usually appear in the first one to two years and often involve social communication (eye contact, responding to their name, pointing, babbling), play (repetitive or unusual play) and sensory responses. No single sign means a child is autistic. See a GP or child health nurse if you’re concerned.
How old was Eden when he was diagnosed?
Two and a half. The first thing we noticed, flicking cups, was at about ten months.
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If this meant something to you, the best thing you can do is subscribe and share it with someone who has never lived with autism. That is who I am making this for.
This is our family’s experience, not medical advice.
Sources
- Raising Children Network, Early signs of autism.
