Does My Child Have Autism? Early Speech and Communication Signs to Know
By Julie Stockdale, M.Sc., CCC-SLP, R.SLP
Noticing something different about how your child communicates — and wondering if it might be autism — is one of the most emotionally charged questions a parent can face. You want answers. You want to know if your child is okay. And you want to know what to do next.
This post won't give you a diagnosis. But it will give you clear, honest information about the early communication signs associated with autism spectrum disorder — so you can have an informed conversation with your child's doctor or speech-language pathologist.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world around them. It's called a "spectrum" because it looks very different from one person to the next.
Some autistic children are highly verbal and social but struggle with the subtle rules of conversation. Others may have very limited speech or use no spoken words at all. Many fall somewhere in between.
Autism is not caused by parenting. It is not a tragedy. And with the right support, autistic children can thrive.
Early Communication Signs Associated With Autism
The following signs — especially when several appear together — may warrant an assessment. No single sign confirms autism, and many of these can appear in children with other speech and language differences too.
By 12 months, watch for:
Not responding to their name consistently
Limited or no babbling
Not pointing, waving, or using other gestures
Limited eye contact
By 16–18 months, watch for:
Fewer than 10 words
Not showing you things they find interesting (showing, not just requesting)
Preferring to play alone rather than alongside others
Unusual attachment to specific objects or routines
By 24 months, watch for:
Not using two-word phrases spontaneously
Repeating words or phrases out of context (echolalia)
Difficulty following simple directions
Limited pretend play (feeding a doll, making a car "drive")
Regression — losing words or skills they previously had
At any age, watch for:
Taking language very literally ("step on it" meaning hurry—not actually stepping)
Difficulty understanding facial expressions or tone of voice
Talking at length about one specific topic without noticing the listener's interest
Preferring predictable, scripted interactions
Sensory sensitivities that affect daily routines
What Autism Does NOT Look Like
There are a lot of myths about autism worth addressing directly:
Autistic children do feel love and attachment—they show it differently
Autistic children can make eye contact—some do, some don't, and it varies
Autism is not caused by vaccines—this has been thoroughly and repeatedly disproven
Having a large vocabulary does not rule out autism—language ability and social communication are separate skills
Girls and children of colour are frequently underdiagnosed—the signs can look different and are often missed
What Should I Do If I'm Concerned?
Step 1 — Talk to your pediatrician. Ask for a developmental screening at your child's next appointment. The M-CHAT-R is a common screening tool for autism in toddlers. A screening is not a diagnosis — it helps determine if a full assessment is warranted.
Step 2 — Request a speech-language pathology assessment A speech-language pathologist can assess your child's communication skills in detail—including both language ability and social communication. This is often one of the first steps in the assessment process and provides valuable information regardless of whether autism is ultimately diagnosed.
Step 3—Don't wait for a diagnosis to start support. In many regions, waitlists for formal autism assessments are long. You don't need a diagnosis to begin speech therapy. If your child is showing communication differences, early intervention helps — full stop.
Step 4—Trust yourself Parents notice things first. If something feels different, it probably is worth exploring. You are not overreacting. You are paying attention.
What Does Speech Therapy Look Like for Autistic Children?
Speech therapy for autistic children isn't about making them appear more neurotypical. At its best, it's about giving every child a reliable, functional way to communicate—in whatever form works best for them.
That might mean:
Building spoken language skills
Introducing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) — picture boards, speech generating devices, or apps
Developing social communication skills like conversation, perspective-taking, and reading social cues
Supporting caregiver coaching so families can embed strategies throughout the day
Every autistic child is different. Every therapy plan should be too.
A Note on AAC
If your child has limited or no speech, AAC is not giving up on talking. Research consistently shows that AAC supports — not replaces — spoken language development. Every child deserves a way to communicate right now, while we work toward whatever their communication potential holds.
We're Here When You're Ready
Whether you're in the early stages of wondering, waiting for an assessment, or already have a diagnosis and looking for next steps — Julie Stockdale SLP is here to help.
Assessments and therapy are available in Calgary and virtually across Alberta, BC, and Arizona. Parent coaching is part of every session.
Book a Parent Consultation Here
Many families exploring autism concerns start with language milestones. Download the free 10-minute Daily Speech Routine to begin targeting speech and language at home today.
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Julie Stockdale is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with 15+ years of experience supporting children and families in Calgary and virtually across Canada and the United States. She holds dual certification (CCC-SLP and SAC-SLP) and is registered in Alberta, BC, and Arizona.
