Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the little things—how they communicate, play, interact with others, and respond to the world around them.

Sometimes, you may begin to wonder whether your child is developing differently than other children their age. Maybe they aren’t using many words yet. Perhaps they don’t consistently respond to their name, seem more interested in playing alone, or become very upset when routines change.

These differences do not automatically mean that your child has autism. However, recognizing possible early signs of autism and knowing what steps to take can help you get answers and support sooner.

At Roots Autism Solutions, we support families looking for autism services and ABA therapy in Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake in the Hills, Illinois. Whether you are just beginning to have concerns about your child’s development or your child has already received an autism diagnosis, our team can help you understand your options and determine the next steps.

What Are Some Early Signs of Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can look very different from one child to another. There isn’t one behavior or developmental milestone that determines whether a child has autism.

Some early signs of autism parents may notice include:

• Limited eye contact or difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Not consistently responding to their name
• Delayed speech or limited use of words
• Difficulty communicating wants or needs
• Limited use of gestures, such as pointing or waving
• Preferring to play alone
• Limited interest in interacting with other children
• Repetitive movements or behaviors
• Becoming very focused on certain toys, objects, or activities
• Difficulty with changes in routines or transitions
• Strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, lights, foods, or environments
• Playing with toys in repetitive or unusual ways
• Difficulty imitating sounds, movements, or actions
• Loss of previously learned language or social skills

Children develop at different rates, and seeing one or even several of these behaviors does not necessarily mean your child has autism. However, if you have concerns about your child’s communication, social development, play skills, or behavior, it can be helpful to speak with a qualified professional.

At What Age Can Early Signs of Autism Be Noticed?

Some children begin showing signs of autism during the toddler years, while others may not show noticeable differences until they are older. Every child develops differently, which is why developmental concerns should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Parents may first become concerned when their child is not meeting certain communication or social milestones, has difficulty interacting with others, or demonstrates repetitive behaviors or strong reactions to changes in their environment.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, you do not have to wait until your child starts school to seek answers.

Families throughout Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Lake in the Hills, and surrounding Chicagoland communities can reach out to Roots Autism Solutions for guidance about autism services, therapy options, and next steps.

I Think My Child May Have Autism. What Should I Do Next?

You don’t have to wait until your child starts school to seek answers. If something about your child’s development concerns you, starting the conversation early can be helpful.

1. Talk to Your Child’s Pediatrician

Share the specific behaviors or developmental differences you’ve noticed. Your pediatrician may complete a developmental screening and recommend additional evaluation.

It can be helpful to write down specific examples before your appointment, including concerns related to communication, social interaction, play, behavior, sensory responses, or developmental milestones.

2. Consider an Autism Evaluation

An autism diagnostic evaluation can provide a clearer picture of your child’s development and determine whether they meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, Roots Autism Solutions can help connect your family with professionals who provide autism evaluations and diagnostic services.

3. Learn About Early Intervention and ABA Therapy

If your child receives an autism diagnosis, you may be introduced to several types of support, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

ABA therapy focuses on helping children develop meaningful skills that can make everyday life easier and more successful. Depending on your child’s individual needs, therapy may address areas such as:

• Communication
• Social interaction
• Play skills
• Following directions
• Daily living and independence
• Emotional and behavioral regulation
• Transitions and flexibility
• School-readiness skills
• Safety skills

At Roots, treatment recommendations are based on each child’s individual assessment and medical necessity. We do not believe every child needs the same number of ABA hours or the same type of program.

Families searching for ABA therapy in Buffalo Grove, ABA therapy in Vernon Hills, or ABA therapy in Lake in the Hills can learn more about the individualized services available through Roots Autism Solutions.

Why Can Starting Early Be Helpful?

The toddler and preschool years are an important period of learning and development. Early support can give children additional opportunities to build communication, social, play, and independence skills during these formative years.

Early intervention may help families begin addressing their child’s individual needs sooner and provide additional opportunities for learning through everyday activities.

That doesn’t mean there is a point when it becomes “too late” for ABA. Children can benefit from appropriate support at many ages. Early identification simply gives families an opportunity to better understand their child’s needs and begin providing support sooner.

When choosing an ABA provider for a young child, families may also want to consider whether the provider can continue supporting their child as their needs change over time.

At Roots Autism Solutions, we work with children at different stages of development and create individualized treatment plans based on each child’s unique strengths, goals, and needs.

What Does ABA Look Like for a Young Child?

ABA therapy for a toddler shouldn’t look like sitting at a table doing drills all day.

At Roots Autism Solutions, we use a balanced approach that includes Natural Environment Teaching (NET), play, movement, structured learning opportunities, communication practice, and activities throughout the child’s day.

For a young child, learning might happen while:

• Playing with blocks or favorite toys
• Requesting a favorite snack or activity
• Taking turns with another child
• Playing on the playground
• Transitioning to a new activity
• Participating in a small group
• Learning to communicate wants and needs
• Practicing social and play skills
• Building independence with everyday routines

The goal is to teach skills that are meaningful and useful in your child’s everyday life.

Our center-based ABA therapy programs in Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake in the Hills are designed to provide individualized learning opportunities while helping children build skills through structured activities, play, social interaction, and everyday routines.

ABA Therapy in Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake in the Hills

Finding the right autism services for your child can feel overwhelming. Families often have questions about where to start, what services their child needs, how many hours of therapy may be recommended, and how to coordinate ABA therapy with speech or occupational therapy.

Roots Autism Solutions provides individualized autism services for families throughout the surrounding communities.

ABA Therapy in Buffalo Grove

Our Buffalo Grove location provides center-based services designed to help children build meaningful skills in communication, social interaction, play, independence, and other areas of development.

Families searching for ABA therapy in Buffalo Grove or autism therapy near Buffalo Grove can contact our team to learn more about available services and the intake process.

ABA Therapy in Vernon Hills

Families looking for ABA therapy in Vernon Hills can turn to Roots Autism Solutions for individualized support based on their child’s unique needs.

Our team works closely with families to better understand each child’s strengths, challenges, and goals and develops treatment recommendations based on individual assessment and medical necessity.

ABA Therapy in Lake in the Hills

Roots Autism Solutions also provides services for families looking for ABA therapy in Lake in the Hills and surrounding communities.

Our Lake in the Hills location provides families with access to individualized autism services and a collaborative therapy environment focused on helping children develop meaningful skills they can use in everyday life.

A Collaborative Approach to Autism Services

Children with autism may benefit from different types of support depending on their individual needs. In addition to ABA therapy, some children may also benefit from speech therapy or occupational therapy.

At Roots Autism Solutions, we provide center-based ABA therapy as well as speech and occupational therapy, allowing children to receive individualized support while their therapy team works collaboratively.

Having professionals communicate and collaborate can help create a more coordinated approach to supporting your child’s development and individual goals.

You Don’t Have to Figure Out the Next Step Alone

It can be overwhelming when you first begin wondering whether your child may have autism. You may have questions about evaluations, insurance, ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or what services your child actually needs.

Roots Autism Solutions can help your family understand the process.

Whether you are looking for ABA therapy in Buffalo Grove, autism services in Vernon Hills, or ABA therapy in Lake in the Hills, our team is here to help families understand their options and take the next step.

If your child already has an autism diagnosis, we can talk with you about beginning services and determining whether Roots Autism Solutions may be a good fit for your family.

If you don’t yet have a diagnosis, we can help connect you with a professional who provides autism evaluations.

Contact Roots Autism Solutions to Learn More

Have questions about your child’s development or ABA therapy?

Roots Autism Solutions provides individualized autism services for children and families throughout Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Lake in the Hills, and surrounding Illinois communities.

Contact our team to learn more about:

• ABA therapy
• Autism services
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• The intake process
• Insurance and getting started
• Autism evaluation resources

Contact Roots Autism Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can support your child and family.