Noticing the early signs of autism in newborns can feel confusing, especially when every baby is so different. I remember holding my son and wondering if his quiet nature and lack of eye contact meant something more. As a parent of two boys on the spectrum, I’ve learned to trust those gut feelings. In this article, I’ll walk you through the subtle signs I missed, what I’ve learned since, and how you can spot the red flags early. If you’re feeling unsure—this guide is for you.
12 Early Signs of Autism in Newborns (With Real-Life Insights)
It’s natural to wonder if your newborn’s behaviors are typical or possibly signs of something more. As a parent, you’re constantly watching, learning, and second-guessing. And if you’re asking yourself, “What are the early signs of autism in newborns?”—you’re not alone. While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn’t diagnosed at birth, certain behaviors can be early flags worth paying attention to.
Here’s what I’ve learned—both from research and raising two amazing boys on the spectrum.
What Are the Earliest Signs of Autism in Newborns?
Newborns are typically defined as babies from birth to 3 months old. While it’s rare to receive a formal diagnosis this early, signs of autism in newborns can begin to emerge subtly.
Autism is a spectrum, and every child develops at their own pace. That’s why observation over time is so important. Pediatricians and child development experts agree: while you won’t get a clear answer at birth, early behaviors may help you spot when something’s different.
Personal Note: I didn’t see the signs with my first son until after a year. But with my second, things felt different early on—and in hindsight, the signs were right there.
Key Behavioral Signs to Watch For
a. Lack of Eye Contact
Most babies start making meaningful eye contact by 6–8 weeks. My older kids locked eyes with me constantly. But Ezra, my youngest, would glance past me or fixate on my lips. Eye contact wasn’t something he naturally engaged in—even at 6 months.
b. Limited or No Social Smiling
Social smiles usually show up around 6–12 weeks. Ezra smiled—a lot—but not in response to me. It wasn’t that back-and-forth exchange. So, when people ask, “Do autistic newborns smile?”—yes, they might. But those smiles often aren’t socially triggered.
c. Not Responding to Sounds or Voice
If your baby doesn’t react to your voice by turning their head or perking up by 3–6 months, it may be worth noting. When I’d call Ezra’s name or speak to him, there was no change. No excitement. No recognition. My other kids lit up when they heard my voice. Ezra didn’t.
d. Atypical Reactions to Being Held or Touched
Some babies arch their backs or stiffen when held. Ezra would cry in my arms but settle once I laid him down. At first, I thought he just liked independence. But over time, I realized it was a sensory sensitivity.
Delayed or Unusual Communication Patterns
a. Delayed Babbling or Vocalizing
By 6–9 months, most babies begin babbling. Ezra did too—for about three weeks. He’d say “baba” and “mama,” then it stopped completely. Some autistic babies cry a lot, while others are quiet. Ezra was mostly silent or let out piercing squeals.
b. Lack of Gestures (Pointing, Reaching)
Gestures like pointing or waving start to emerge around 9 months. Ezra never pointed. Never waved. It just wasn’t in his communication toolbox. That made it harder for him to connect or express what he needed.
Sensory and Motor Clues
a. Over- or Under-Reactivity to Sensory Input
Some autistic babies are extremely sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures. Ezra loved staring at ceiling fans and lights, but couldn’t handle certain fabrics. One time, edible paint on his hands sent him into a meltdown.
b. Repetitive Movements or Object Fascinations
Repetitive actions like hand-flapping, head-shaking, or spinning objects can be early stimming behaviors. Ezra became obsessed with wheels—on toy cars, strollers, bikes. He’d spin them for hours. It was calming for him but definitely stood out.
Behavioral and Emotional Traits
a. Extreme Contentment or Independence
He rarely cried unless hungry or uncomfortable. He didn’t seek comfort. For a while, I thought, “Wow, what an easy baby.” But babies usually want to be held and cuddled. Ezra was happiest on his own.
b. Not Seeking or Responding to Attention
Even when I’d walk into the room, he wouldn’t look up or acknowledge me. It wasn’t until much later that he made the connection that I could solve his problems—like hunger or discomfort.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Every baby develops differently. But if you notice several of these signs consistently, don’t wait. Talk to your pediatrician.
- Use tools like the CDC’s milestone tracker
- Don’t let “wait and see” delay support
- Remember: Not all babies with these signs are autistic—but early intervention never hurts
What You Can Do as a Parent
a. Trust Your Gut
You know your baby best. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to speak up—even if others think you’re overreacting.
b. Seek Early Intervention
Early support can change everything. Evaluations can begin as early as 12–18 months. With Ezra, early therapy helped us understand how to communicate and connect better.
c. Support and Connection
Find other parents going through similar journeys. There are incredible ASD communities online and offline. You’re not alone.
Expert Tip: Enter Their World First
One of the most powerful pieces of advice I’ve received: Enter their world before expecting them to enter yours.
If Ezra’s spinning in circles, I spin too. If he’s rubbing a wall, I rub the wall next to him. He notices. He feels seen. And that opens the door to connection.
FAQ
What are the earliest signs of autism in newborns?
Early signs of autism in newborns include poor eye contact, lack of social smiles, and not reacting to sounds or touch. Learn how to spot these signs early.
How can I tell if my newborn has autism?
Watch for signs like no response to your voice, limited babbling, and unusual calmness. If these signs continue, speak to your doctor for a full checkup.
Is autism noticed at birth or later?
Autism isn’t diagnosed at birth, but signs can appear early. Observation in the first months may help you raise concerns during baby wellness visits.
Do autistic newborns cry a lot or too little?
Some cry more, others less. It depends on the child. Watch for crying only when hungry or unusual calmness—they may hint at sensory differences.
Do autistic newborns smile like other babies?
Autistic newborns may smile, but often not as a response. A lack of social smiles by three months could be an early sign worth watching.
Can a newborn’s lack of eye contact mean autism?
Yes, if your baby avoids eye contact over time, it may be a sign. Babies usually start making eye contact by 6–8 weeks of age.
When should I talk to a doctor about autism signs?
If you notice more than one sign and they continue past 3 months, bring it up with your pediatrician. Early support can really help.
Are quiet newborns more likely to be autistic?
Not always. Some quiet babies are just easygoing. But if quietness comes with other signs like lack of gestures or smiling, consult a doctor.
What should I do if I notice signs of autism in my newborn?
Track behaviors, trust your gut, and talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention can improve communication and social development.
Is there a checklist for signs of autism in newborns?
Yes, tools like the CDC’s milestone tracker can help. Our article offers a detailed list of early signs with real-life insights from parents.
Conclusion
Every child is different. And while some early signs of autism in newborns can seem subtle, your love and attention make a world of difference.
Whether your baby is on the autism spectrum or not, what matters most is being present, observant, and supportive.
If you’re concerned, reach out to your pediatrician. Trust your instincts. You are your baby’s best advocate.
