Dear Starters, Recognizing Early Signs of Autism
You may worry you are missing something. Early signs of autism can be subtle, and noticing them early helps families access support sooner. In Nigeria, and across many African communities, parents often wonder whether what they see is typical child variation or an early sign of a developmental difference. Trust your concern, and try to capture specific observations in a simple, practical way.
Common early signs to watch for
Early signs in toddlers and young children often include:
- Delayed speech or language milestones, such as limited babbling, fewer single words by 16 months, or not combining words by two years.
- Not responding to their name consistently, or seeming to hear sometimes and not others.
- Limited eye contact, or avoiding face-to-face interaction.
- Repeating words or phrases, also called echolalia, rather than using language flexibly.
- Strong, sometimes distressing reactions to sounds, lights, smells, or touch.
- Restricted play, for example lining up toys rather than pretending to feed a doll.
- Unusual routines, such as insistence on the same sequence or distress when routines change.
These behaviours do not automatically mean a diagnosis of autism. However, they are important signals to track and discuss with a health professional.
How to start documenting observations
Create a simple notebook or phone note labelled Autism Observations. Each entry should show:
- The date and time.
- A short description of the behaviour (for example, “did not respond when called, looked down for 10 seconds”).
- What happened before the behaviour (a possible trigger).
- How long it lasted and how it ended.
This information is powerful when you speak to a doctor, teacher, or local clinic. It turns general worries into concrete facts that professionals can act on.
What to ask your child’s clinician
When you meet a doctor or clinic, request a developmental screening, which is a short checklist designed to identify areas to explore further. Use plain language, and bring your notes. Say things like, “I am worried about delayed speech” or “He rarely looks at faces when we talk.” If the clinician does not suggest follow-up, politely ask for a referral to a speech therapist, developmental pediatrician, or child psychologist.
Practical steps to help at home while you wait
While waiting for appointments, small routines provide stability and useful observations:
- Keep regular mealtimes and sleep schedules.
- Do short play sessions that encourage social interaction, such as rolling a ball back and forth, or reading the same short book daily.
- Use simple words and slow speech, and pause to give your child time to respond.
- Create one-on-one calm time, including cuddle, reading, or quiet play, to build connection and reduce overwhelm.
Help is a community effort
Share your notes with a supportive friend, family member, or teacher so you do not carry this alone. Local parent groups or online communities can point to trusted clinics and specialists in Nigeria. For more practical, linked advice, see our earlier posts on specialised diets for autism support in Nigeria and oral health and autism.
Closing and call to action
Early recognition matters, and your careful observations are the first step. Bethelxafe Autism Foundation works with families across Nigeria to make those first steps clearer, and to connect parents with screening and next-step resources. If you want, save this post, start a short observation list today, and bring it to your child’s next appointment.