1 In 100 Children Have Autism: What Early Signs Parents Should Know, Doctors' Advice For World Autism Awareness Day 2026

World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Every year, we observe April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to recognise the dignity and worth of all autistic people. On this day, we advocate for policies that promote neuroinclusive environments across sectors such as health, education, workplaces, sports, and more. The time when autism was considered a rare disease, but that is not the case now. Today, autism is the reality for roughly 1 in every 100 children worldwide. Yet despite its prevalence, the early signs remain widely misunderstood, dismissed, or simply go unnoticed by people.

We talked to two leading specialists,Dr Poonam Sidana, Director of Neonatology and Paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi and Dr Rekha Mittal, Senior Consultant - Pediatric Neurology, Rainbow Hospital, Delhi, about autism. Read ahead to know what parents and healthcare providers should be watching for. Find out why acting early, even before a formal diagnosis, can make a profound difference when it comes to autism. 

Is Autism A Disease? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not an illness that needs to be cured, but rather a distinct pattern of how a child's brain develops and processes the world around them. The challenge lies in the fact that the earliest signs of autism are subtle and often get ignored by people as personality quirks or temporary phases.

Dr Poonam says that, "ASD is increasingly being recognised not as a disease, but as a difference in how a child's brain develops and processes the world. Early signs are often subtle and easily overlooked, especially in settings where developmental variations are dismissed as 'normal phases’.”

What Are The Early Signs Of Autism?

Long before a child utters their first word, the quality of their social engagement reveals a great deal. Babies typically smile back, track familiar faces, and respond to voices within the first few months of life. Any deviation from these milestones is worth noting carefully.

Dr Rekha says that, “Parents may notice that the child avoids eye contact, does not respond to his or her name by 9 to 12 months, or shows limited interest in interactive play such as peek-a-boo. Lack of gestures like pointing, waving, or showing objects is another key red flag.” These red flags should not be ignored by parents. 

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Delays In Social Engagement And Communication 

Many parents think that communication is only about speech, but doctors suggest that in meaningful communication, their child should show gestures, tone, and the back-and-forth rhythm of interaction. A child may appear to be developing normally, then lose words they had previously acquired. With such patterns, parents should give immediate attention and consult their doctors. 

According to Dr Poonma, “A child may struggle with gestures, tone, or back-and-forth interaction. In some cases, a child may say a few words and then stop using them. By 16 to 18 months, delayed speech or absence of meaningful words, and lack of to-and-fro interaction should prompt further evaluation.”

What Behavioural Patterns Should Parents Watch For Autism?

Beyond social and communication signals, the way a child interacts with their environment also offers important clues. Here is a full list of behavioural patterns that parents should watch out for to see whether their kid has autism or not:

• Hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning

• Strong resistance to changes in routine

• Unusual sensitivity to sounds or textures

• Reduced emotional responsiveness

• Difficulty understanding social cues

• Unusual attachment to specific objects

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At the end of the day, doctors encourage parents to take their concerns seriously and trust their instincts. Early awareness does not stigmatise your child, it will rather open the door to provide them with timely support, better developmental outcomes, and a stronger foundation for the years ahead.

Image Credit: Freepik

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