Could My Child Have ASD? Understanding Communication Signs in Young Children

Little Marvels Therapy
May 26
5 min read

Written by Little Marvels Therapy

You’ve noticed something. Maybe your child isn’t responding to their name the way other children do. Maybe they have lots of words but rarely use them to connect with you. Or perhaps they’ve lost some words they used to say. Something feels different — and you’re not sure what to make of it.

If you have been wondering whether your child might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this article is for you. It is not a diagnostic tool — only a qualified professional can assess for ASD. But it is a gentle, honest guide to the communication signs that parents and professionals watch for, and what to do if you have concerns.

Having concerns does not mean something is wrong. It means you are paying attention.

And paying attention early is one of the most important things a parent can do

What Is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world around them. It is called a “spectrum” because it looks very different from one child to the next — there is no single profile of autism.

ASD is not caused by parenting. It is not a result of screen time, vaccines, or anything a family did or did not do. It is a neurological difference that children are born with, and many children with ASD go on to live full, rich, connected lives — particularly when they receive early support.

ASD and Communication: What to Look For

Communication differences are one of the hallmarks of ASD — but they can be subtle, especially in young children. ASD does not simply mean “not talking.” It encompasses a much broader range of social communication differences.

Here are some communication signs that parents and clinicians watch for:

In children under 18 months:

Not responding consistently to their name being called
Limited or no babbling by 12 months
Not pointing, waving, or using gestures by 12 months
Limited eye contact, especially during interactions
Not smiling back socially or sharing enjoyment with others

In children aged 18 months to 3 years:

No single words by 16 months, or no two-word phrases by 24 months
Loss of previously acquired words or social skills (regression)
Not following a point or sharing attention with others (“look at that!”)
Repeating words or phrases out of context (echolalia)
Using language to request things but rarely to connect or share
Limited pretend or imaginative play

In children aged 3 to 5 years:

Talking a lot, but mostly about their own interests with little back-and-forth
Difficulty understanding or using non-literal language (jokes, sarcasm, idioms)
Rarely initiating conversation or play with peers
Difficulty reading facial expressions or body language
Scripted or repetitive speech — repeating lines from shows or books in place of spontaneous language
Talking “at” others rather than “with” them

Not all of these signs mean a child has ASD — and a child does not need to show every sign to warrant an assessment. If several of these resonate with you, it is worth reaching out to a professional.

Common Misconceptions About ASD and Communication

Many parents delay seeking help because of common misconceptions about what autism looks like. Here are a few we often hear:

What parents often think	What we know
“My child speaks in full sentences, so it can’t be autism.”	ASD affects social communication, not just vocabulary. Many verbal children with ASD still have significant communication differences.
"My child makes eye contact sometimes"	Inconsistent eye contact is common in ASD. It does not rule out a diagnosis
"My child is affectionate and loves cuddles"	Children with ASD can be warm and loving. ASD is not about emotional distance
"They'll grow out of it"	ASD is a lifelong neurological difference. Early support helps children develop skills and strategies — the earlier, the better

The Difference Between a Speech Delay and ASD

Not all speech delays are related to ASD — and not all children with ASD have a speech delay.

This is one of the reasons why a comprehensive assessment is so important.

A child with a straightforward speech delay typically:

Uses gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions to communicate
Shows interest in connecting and playing with others
Points to share things they find interesting
Understands more than they can say

A child with ASD may:

Have differences in social communication regardless of how many words they have
Struggle to use language for connection, not just requesting
Show limited interest in shared attention or joint play
Use language in unusual or repetitive ways

Why Early Identification Matters

Research consistently shows that early intervention for ASD leads to significantly better long-term outcomes. The earlier a child receives support, the more their communication, social skills, and learning can develop.

Importantly, you do not need a formal diagnosis before seeking help. Many families begin speech therapy or occupational therapy while a broader assessment is underway — and this is often exactly the right approach. Support can and should begin as soon as there are concerns.

You do not need a diagnosis to access support. If you have concerns, reaching out early — even just for a conversation — is always the right first step.

What Happens Next If I Have Concerns?

If you are noticing signs that worry you, a good first step is to reach out to an educational psychologist. In Singapore, you do not need a referral to do this — you can contact a private educational psychology practice directly.

An educational psychologist does not just conduct assessments. They will first take time to understand your child’s profile and your family’s concerns, and help you figure out the most appropriate next steps — which may include therapy support, further observation, or a formal developmental assessment, depending on what your child needs.

Alongside this, speech therapy and occupational therapy can begin concurrently. You do not have to wait. In fact, starting early — even before a formal diagnosis — means your child benefits from support right away.

At Little Marvels Therapy, our educational psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists work closely together. Whether you are looking for guidance, therapy, or a full assessment, we can support you and your child from the very first conversation.

A Word to Parents

If you have been sitting with this worry for a while — reading late at night, comparing your child to others, wondering whether to say something — please know that reaching out takes courage, and it is always worth it.

An assessment does not take anything away from your child. It gives you information, and information gives you options. Whatever the outcome, early support opens doors. You know your child best. Trust that instinct, and let us help you take the next step.