Early Signs of Autism in Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. Early detection is critical, as intervention programs implemented before the age of three can significantly improve developmental outcomes. This paper reviews existing literature on the early signs of autism in children, focusing on social communication differences, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. In addition, a brief survey was conducted to examine parental perceptions of when early signs of autism first appear. The results revealed a clear gap in awareness: parents of children with ASD were more likely to recognize that signs can emerge before age two, while parents without direct experience often identified later ages or expressed uncertainty. These findings highlight a lack of widespread public understanding of early developmental indicators.Therefore, this paper underscores not only the importance of early identification but also the urgent need for increased public education and awareness to promote timely diagnosis and intervention.