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Autism: Signs and characteristics

Autism overview

Signs and characteristics

Supports and services

For professionals

What Canada is doing

On this page

Signs and characteristics

Getting an assessment

Getting a diagnosis

Signs and characteristics

The first signs and characteristics of autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD) can vary widely and appear at different times. Some people on the autism spectrum show signs within the first few months of life. Others don't show signs and characteristics until much later.

Up to 12 months of age, signs of autism can include:

little or no babbling

little or no eye contact

showing more interest in objects than people

appearing not to hear when spoken to directly

playing with toys in an unusual or limited manner

repetitive movements with their fingers, hands, arms or head

starting to develop language skills but then stopping or losing those skills

Up to 2 years of age, signs may also include:

very specific area of interest

limited or no interest in other children

behavioural issues like self-injury or self-isolation

repeating words or phrases without appearing to understand them

difficulty with reciprocal social interactions (like playing peek-a-boo)

liking to have things a certain way, such as always eating the same food

Possible signs of autism at any age can include:

little eye contact

distinct reactions to:

lights

tastes

smells

sounds

colours

textures

very specific interests

repeating words or phrases

repetitive behaviours, such as spinning

nonverbal communication or delayed language development

intense reactions to minor changes in routine or surroundings

Getting an assessment

Speak to your healthcare provider about getting an autism assessment if:

you have concerns

you notice any signs or characteristics

a close relative has been diagnosed with autism, such as a sibling

If the assessment is for someone else, you can help their health care provider understand your concerns by:

taking photographs

keeping logs or diaries

making video recordings

Your health care provider may refer you to a specialist for more tests and assessments. A specialist is the best person to provide a diagnosis.

Getting a diagnosis

There is no simple medical test for diagnosing autism.

To diagnose you with autism, a healthcare professional observes:

your cognitive abilities

how you communicate

how you relate to others

your overall development

how you regulate your behaviour and emotions

any behaviours related to your interests and activities

They use this information to determine the kind of support you need.

Often a team of healthcare professionals will work together to conduct a comprehensive assessment to decide if a diagnosis is appropriate. This team can include:

family physician

audiologists

pediatricians

psychiatrists

psychologists

nurse practitioners

occupational therapists

developmental pediatricians

speech and language pathologists

The assessment will also screen for other possible co-occurring conditions that may affect development.

Healthcare professionals use the

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5

) to evaluate and diagnose autism.

Related links

Canadian Pediatric Society

Autism Canada

AIDE Canada – Adult Diagnosis Collection

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2025-02-12