What are the signs of autism in children?
Autism shows in how a child talks, plays and reacts to the world. Signs usually appear in the first three years. A sign is not a diagnosis. Only a trained doctor can tell.
What signs should I look for?
- Does not look up when you call their name, by 9 months.
- Does not notice other children or join their play, by 3 years.
- Stops saying words, or stops doing things they did before.
- Reacts very strongly, or not at all, to sounds, lights, smells, tastes or touch.
What happened with our daughter?
At 4, our daughter Anwesha did not say a single word, and she would run away from us. A doctors’ report said it was autism. Today, at 9, she is a talkative, smart kid. She sits and learns, and does many things by herself. Some things are still hard for her.
Does a sign mean my child has autism?
Not always. Some children without autism show some of these signs too. Not answering to their name can be a hearing problem. A doctor needs to check.
What should I do if I see these signs?
- Talk to a child doctor. Ask for a check of how your child is growing, and a hearing test.
- Do not wait for a final answer. Indian child doctors say help can start while the doctors are still checking.
- Ask about the free early intervention centre (DEIC) at your district hospital.
Who can tell if it is autism?
A child doctor, often with a team of specialists. Autism can sometimes be found at 18 months or younger. By age 2, an experienced doctor’s answer can be trusted.
Questions parents ask
Can autism be cured?
No. Autism is not an illness. But help can make talking, learning and daily life easier.
At what age can autism be found?
Signs usually show in the first three years. It can sometimes be found at 18 months or younger. By age 2, an experienced doctor’s answer can be trusted.
Is autism a disability in India?
Yes. Indian law lists autism as a disability. A disability certificate can help your child get support.
Where this comes from
- CDC: Signs of autism
- NHS: Signs of autism in children
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Hearing loss in children
- NICE: Autism in under 19s, recognition and referral
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics: Consensus on autism (2017)
- CDC: Diagnosing autism
- RBSK Operational Guidelines
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
Checked on: 21 October 2026
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every child is different.
You are not alone
You do not need any reports. Just tell Prabir Sir about your child.
Every child is different. We cannot promise the same result for your child.