NEEDHAM, Mass. —
April marks Autism Awareness Month, and for many families, questions about early signs and support remain top of mind.
Experts say recognizing those signs early and acting can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development.
Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine at Mass General Brigham, says autism is more common than many people realize.
“About 1 in 31 kids across the United States has been diagnosed with autism,” Hadland said.
Early signs to look for
For parents of young children, doctors emphasize paying close attention to developmental milestones — especially those tied to communication and social interaction.
By around 12 months, children should begin making eye contact, pointing at objects and responding to their name. By 18 months, many are starting to say their first words.
When those milestones aren’t met, it may be time to check in with a pediatrician.
“We want to make sure that they are starting to meet their developmental milestones, especially milestones related to social connection and ability to communicate,” Hadland said.
Another key warning sign is regression: when a child loses skills they had previously developed.
“That’s really concerning,” he said, noting pediatricians closely monitor for that during routine visits.
How symptoms can change over time
Autism can present differently as children grow, making it important for parents and caregivers to stay aware of changing behaviors.
As children reach school age, signs may shift. Some may struggle to make friends, have difficulty transitioning between activities or develop highly focused interests. Others may show sensitivity to sounds or textures.
In teenagers, symptoms can become more subtle.
“Teens often learn to adapt to the world around them,” Hadland said. “But they may still have difficulty with eye contact or reading other people’s body language and can experience anxiety just trying to adapt and fit in.”
What parents should do next
If concerns arise at any stage, experts say the first step is simple: talk to a pediatrician.
“This is what we are here for,” Hadland said.
From there, families may be referred to a developmental and behavioral pediatrician — a specialist trained to evaluate autism and similar conditions.
During Autism Awareness Month, Hadland encourages families to trust their instincts and seek guidance if something doesn’t feel right.
“Parents should be on the lookout,” he said, “and talk to their pediatrician if they have concerns.”