Every child grows at their own pace, but sometimes, differences in development raise questions. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one possible explanation for delays or unusual behaviors, and recognizing the signs early can make a huge difference. The goal is not to alarm, but to empower parents with knowledge—because early support can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

10 Early Signs of Autism

  1. Limited Eye Contact
  2. Your child avoids eye contact or doesn’t look at you when you’re speaking or playing.
  3. Delayed Speech or No Speech
  4. By 12 months: no babbling or use of gestures.
  5. By 18 months: no single words.
  6. By 2 years: no simple phrases.
  7. Not Responding to Their Name
  8. Even when you call repeatedly, your child seems unaware or unresponsive.
  9. Prefers Being Alone
  10. Enjoys solitary play more than engaging with siblings, peers, or adults.
  11. Repetitive Behaviors
  12. Hand-flapping, rocking, spinning objects, or arranging toys in lines instead of playing with them.
  13. Rigid Routines
  14. Upset by small changes in daily patterns—such as a new route to school or moving a favorite toy.
  15. Unusual Play
  16. Instead of imaginative or pretend play, your child may focus on parts of a toy (e.g., wheels of a car) or use toys in the same repetitive way.
  17. Sensory Sensitivities
  18. Overreacts or underreacts to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. For example, covering ears at common noises or refusing certain fabrics.
  19. Difficulty Expressing Needs
  20. Instead of pointing or using words, they may cry, pull your hand, or become frustrated when trying to communicate.
  21. Limited Social Interaction
  22. Rarely shares interests (like pointing to show you something exciting) or struggles to understand social cues, such as smiling back when someone smiles.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

Not every child with one or two of these traits has autism—but if you see several signs consistently, it’s time to act. The best step is to seek a developmental screening. Early detection means earlier therapy, and research shows that children who receive support before age 5 make significant strides in communication, learning, and independence.

How NeuroConnect Therapy Centre Can Help

At NeuroConnect Therapy Centre (Mamboleo, Kisumu), we specialize in supporting neurodiverse children through:

  1. Speech therapy
  2. Occupational therapy
  3. Play therapy
  4. Special education support
  5. Physiotherapy and outdoor activities

Our approach looks at the whole child—not just the challenges, but also the strengths that make each child unique.

Key Takeaway

If your instincts as a parent are whispering that something feels “different,” trust them. Early support is not about labeling your child—it’s about unlocking their potential.


👉 Worried about your child’s development? Book a free developmental screening today at NeuroConnect Therapy Centre, Mamboleo – Kisumu. Call us on 0700 607 435. Let’s walk this journey together.