At Kids on the Move, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. And for autistic children, that journey often starts with early identification. Knowing what to look for—especially within the first year of life—can make a life-changing difference.
Early intervention opens the door to support, growth, and incredible possibilities. That’s why we’re here to help parents and caregivers understand the signs of autism in 1-year-olds and how they can take the next step with confidence and care.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how children communicate, interact socially, and respond to the world around them. Because it’s a “spectrum,” each child’s experience with autism can look different. Some children may have mild symptoms, while others experience more significant challenges. But what all children with autism have in common is the potential to grow, learn, and thrive with the right support.
ASD typically appears in early childhood, and research shows that early intervention is one of the most powerful tools we have in helping children with autism reach their full potential.
Signs of Autism in 1-Year-Olds: A Month-by-Month Guide
Autism can often be recognized before a child turns two—and sometimes as early as six months. Below is a breakdown of common signs to watch for in babies between 4 and 12 months of age.
Signs at 4 to 7 Months
-
Doesn’t smile back when you smile at them
-
Rarely makes eye contact or seems to look past you
-
Doesn’t turn toward your voice or react to your presence
-
Doesn’t coo, babble, giggle, or squeal when you engage
-
Doesn’t show much interest in your face or facial expressions
-
Is difficult to soothe, and doesn’t seem comforted by touch or voice
These early behaviors can signal communication and social delays. A child who isn’t responding to social cues or engaging with the people around them may benefit from a developmental evaluation.
Signs at 8 to 12 Months
-
Avoids eye contact or looks away during interactions
-
Shows limited or flat facial expressions
-
Doesn’t babble or vocalize much
-
Doesn’t respond to their name
-
Doesn’t follow your pointing or gestures
-
Shows little interest in interactive games like peekaboo
-
Doesn’t use simple gestures like waving or reaching to be picked up
-
Doesn’t seem to enjoy cuddling or being touched
By their first birthday, most children will smile back at you, follow your pointing, mimic facial expressions, and use gestures to communicate. If your child is not displaying these behaviors, it’s worth bringing up with your pediatrician.
Regression: Another Sign to Know
In some cases, children may develop typically for the first year or two and then begin to lose language or social skills they previously had. This is known as regression, and it can be an early sign of autism.
While not all children with autism experience regression, it’s important to take it seriously if you notice your child stopping words they previously used, withdrawing socially, or disengaging from play.
According to the National Institutes of Health, this regression may occur between ages 1 and 2, though researchers are still working to understand why it happens and which children are most at risk.
Why Early Identification Matters
Spotting the signs of autism early is more than just helpful—it’s transformational.
The earlier a child receives support, the better their long-term developmental outcomes. Research shows that early intervention improves communication, social skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional regulation in children with autism. It also gives families the tools they need to support their child with confidence.
At Kids on the Move, we provide personalized, compassionate care for every child we serve. Our Autism Center is designed to meet children where they are—and help them grow from there.
Hope in Motion: How You Can Make a Difference
At Kids on the Move, we’re proud to serve 182 children annually through our Autism Center. But the need is far greater.
Each year, over 400 families reach out to us, hoping to access life-changing therapies for their children. Right now, too many are stuck on waitlists due to limited capacity. With Utah’s high birth rate and one of the highest autism rates in the country (1 in 27 boys and 1 in 85 girls at age 8), the number of children needing services is growing rapidly.
You can be part of the solution.
Through our Hope in Motion initiative, we are expanding our Autism Center to reach more families and eliminate waitlists. But we can’t do it alone. Every dollar you give helps create space for another child to receive the therapies they need to thrive.
Ready to Learn More? Start the Journey Today.
If you believe your child may benefit from specialized autism services, Kids on the Move is here to help. Our Autism Center offers individualized support that honors each child’s unique strengths and needs — whether they’re newly diagnosed or further along their journey.
Fill out our quick application today to connect with our caring team and discover how we can support your child in thriving — at home, at school, and beyond.
👉 Apply Now to Learn More: https://kotm.org/autism-center-inquire/
Because every child deserves the chance to shine.