Watching your baby’s development is one of parenting’s greatest joys. But there can be occasional worries too. When certain behaviors stick out, you might wonder if they signal Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While we at Norfolk Autism Center specialize in support and therapy following clinical diagnosis, we understand that some families only want clarity about their child’s development.
This blog offers a different perspective: we look at common developmental behaviors in young children that may cause parental concern. Thankfully, most of these are not signs of autism. Recognizing typical variations in development can bring you reassurance and help you focus on the most helpful next steps for your baby.
What Autism Is and Is Not
A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is based on specific differences that persist in two main areas: social communication and interaction. There’s also the repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These must be present from early childhood and limit daily functioning, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria.
You should also remember that your baby may exhibit some behaviors that overlap with ASD criteria. Certain behaviors, like intense interests or shyness, do not meet the full criteria for a medical diagnosis. The key difference is a pervasive pattern of differences, not a single behavior.
Also, autism is a spectrum. This means the challenges and strengths experienced by autistic individuals vary widely. For instance, one child may have significant language delays, while another is highly verbal but struggles intensely with the back-and-forth flow of conversation. No two autistic children will have the exact same profile.
Common Mistakes About Autism in Babies
Many behaviors that worry parents are simply typical variations, phases, or signs of other common developmental differences. Here is how to distinguish common concerns from the core features of ASD in your baby.
Your Baby is Late to Talk But Still Communicating
Your baby is likely not autistic if they are slower to talk, but:
- Use gestures like pointing, waving, and showing objects to you.
- Make good eye contact and seek you out for comfort.
- Engage in social play like peek-a-boo and enjoy simple turn-taking.
The Distinction: If the issue is the production of speech, but your baby has a strong desire to communicate and interact (good social reciprocity), it’s often an isolated Primary Speech Delay or Expressive Language Disorder.
Your Child is Shy, Clingy, or Anxious with Strangers
Your child is likely not autistic if they cling to you or avoid new people, but are:
- Chatty and interactive in a familiar, one-on-one setting with you.
- Smiling and playful once they warm up to a new environment or person.
The Distinction: This is often a normal Phase of Separation Anxiety or a typical introverted Temperament. They have the social skills, but their anxiety blocks them. Autistic individuals often have intrinsic difficulty understanding or navigating social cues, even when they feel comfortable.
Your Child is Obsessed with a Topic
Your child is likely not autistic if they are intensely interested in dinosaurs or trains, but they can:
- Be redirected to other activities or games.
- Share the interest with you or a sibling (e.g., pointing out a train in a book with you).
The Distinction: This is often a Strong Natural Curiosity or a typical childhood Hyperfixation. In autism, the interest is often highly rigid, may involve repetitive, non-functional play (like spinning wheels only), and can make it difficult for the child to share attention or shift focus to a parent’s idea.
Your Child Has Mild Sensory Sensitivities
Your child is likely not autistic if they hate scratchy tags, only eat a few preferred foods, or are easily overwhelmed by loud noises but have:
- No significant communication or social interaction differences.
- Typical joint attention and use of gestures.
The Distinction: This may be a mild form of Sensory Processing Difficulty that can be addressed by an occupational therapist. These issues are common, but they must accompany the core social communication patterns to align with an ASD diagnosis.
Signs That Warrant a Professional Autism Evaluation
While the behaviors above are often not autism, if your baby or young child consistently demonstrates several of the following behaviors, it warrants seeking a professional evaluation. These signs represent the persistent difficulties central to an autism diagnosis.
Social Communication and Interaction Differences
- Lack of Joint Attention: Your baby does not consistently look back and forth between an object and your face to share an experience (e.g., they look at a toy, but not back at you to see your reaction).
- Reduced Nonverbal Communication: Limited use of functional gestures (e.g., not reliably pointing to ask for something or showing you objects).
- Difficulty with Social Reciprocity: They may not respond to their name, or they have trouble initiating or sustaining a back-and-forth interaction (e.g., a simple game of catch or turn-taking).
- Impaired Imitation or Play: Limited pretend play (e.g., not feeding a doll or pretending to cook) or difficulty imitating your simple actions.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
- Repetitive Motor Movements (Stimming): Engaging in excessive behaviors like hand-flapping, spinning, rocking, or toe-walking.
- Rigid Routines: Strong distress over minor changes in routine, requiring things to be done “the same way” every time.
- Fixated Interests: Having unusually intense interests, often involving specific parts of objects (e.g., spinning the wheels of a toy car instead of playing with the whole car in a story).
- Extreme Sensory Reactivity: Over- or under-reacting to lights, sounds, or textures.
When to Pursue Screening for Your Baby
If you have persistent concerns about your child’s development, the best path forward is always an expert evaluation. The signs that most strongly suggest a full evaluation is warranted are those that affect their ability to connect and communicate with you.
Remember: If your child is under 3 and showing any signs of developmental delay—whether or not you suspect autism—you can self-refer to the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia for a developmental evaluation.
How Norfolk Autism Center Supports Your Family
At Norfolk Autism Center, we encourage parents to trust their instincts and seek professional guidance when in doubt. While we do not provide diagnostic services, we are a valuable resource for families in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area:
- We can share lists of trusted diagnostic specialists to evaluate your child.
- We can provide resources for early intervention services, regardless of diagnosis.
After a diagnosis is confirmed, Norfolk Autism Center is ready to partner with your family. We specialize in delivering high-quality, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to help your child reach their full potential.
Key Takeaways and Your Next Steps
The most crucial takeaway is this: If your child is thriving, connecting with you, and developing new skills, the label is less important than the progress. If their development is causing significant challenges in social settings, managing routines, or acquiring communication skills, then a professional evaluation can provide the clarity and resources you need to support your child effectively.
If you have persistent concerns, take these three steps today:
- Trust Your Instincts and Track Observations: Note specific behaviors, what happens, when it happens, and how your child responds to social overtures, changes, or sensory input.
- Consult Your Pediatrician: Bring your observations to your child’s primary care doctor. They can perform standardized screenings and make referrals to qualified diagnostic specialists.
Contact Norfolk Autism Center Today
Do you have questions about your baby’s developmental path or what an initial screening might involve? Whether you are weighing concerns or just starting the diagnostic process, we are here to support your family.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation conversation. Our team can help you map out your next steps, share local referral lists, and answer questions about early intervention and ABA therapy.
- Phone: (757) 777-3229
- Address: 152 Burnetts Way, Suffolk, VA 23434 (Serving the greater Hampton Roads/Tidewater area)
We believe in the power of early intervention and personalized care to make a positive difference in the lives of children with ASD. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future for your child and family.
Additional Resources
- CDC’s Act Early Program: Provides free materials, milestone checklists, and resources on monitoring child development and what to do if there are concerns.
- Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia: This is the official state resource for readers in your area to access early intervention services for children under three.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Offers information on developmental screenings, common milestones, and what pediatricians look for regarding ASD.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: An excellent resource for parents concerned about speech and language delays, which helps differentiate isolated language issues from core ASD criteria.
