Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: A Minnesota Parent's Guide

1. Why Recognizing Early Signs Matters

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the small things—how they react to a new sound, whether they look up when you call their name, or how they play alongside other kids at the park. Sometimes those observations come with a quiet question: “Is this typical, or should I be concerned?”

Research consistently shows that earlier identification of autism leads to better long-term outcomes. A 2023 randomized controlled trial published in Autism found that toddlers who received intervention earlier showed significantly greater gains in social communication and adaptive behavior compared to those who started later. (Trembath et al., 2023)

The reason is straightforward: during the first few years of life, the brain is developing rapidly and is especially responsive to learning and support. When children receive help during this window, they have the best chance of building communication, social, and daily living skills that serve them for years to come. (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015 — NIH)

You don’t need a diagnosis to start paying attention. Noticing early signs isn’t about labeling your child—it’s about opening doors to support while the window is widest.

2. What Are the Early Signs of Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a child communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. No two children with autism are exactly alike, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies two core areas where early signs tend to appear: (CDC — Signs and Symptoms of ASD)

Social Communication and Interaction

Does not respond to their name by 9 months
Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, or surprised by 9 months
Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months
Uses few or no gestures (like waving goodbye) by 12 months
Does not share interests with others (pointing to show you something) by 15 months
Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months
Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months
Does not engage in pretend play (like “feeding” a doll) by 30 months
Shows little interest in peers or has difficulty joining play by 36 months

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors

Lines up toys or objects and gets upset when the order is changed
Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
Plays with toys the same way every time (e.g., spinning wheels instead of driving a car)
Focuses on parts of objects rather than the whole toy
Gets very upset by small changes in routine
Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins in circles
Has unusual reactions to sensory input—sounds, smells, textures, or lights

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) notes that children with autism may also experience delayed language development, unusual eating or sleeping habits, and heightened anxiety or emotional responses. (NICHD — Autism Symptoms)

Important: Every child develops at their own pace. Showing one or two of these signs doesn’t automatically mean autism. But if you’re noticing a pattern across several areas, it’s worth a conversation with your pediatrician.

3. When and How Pediatricians Screen for Autism

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive autism-specific screening at their 18-month and 24-month well-child visits, in addition to general developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months. (HealthyChildren.org — AAP)

The most commonly used autism screening tool is the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F). It’s a short questionnaire you fill out in the waiting room, and your pediatrician scores it during the visit. If the score raises concerns, a follow-up interview helps clarify whether a referral for further evaluation is warranted.

Screening is not the same as diagnosis. A screening flag means “let’s look more closely”—not “your child has autism.” Many children who screen positive go on to have typical development. But the screening step is critical because it catches children who might otherwise wait years before getting evaluated.

What you can do before the appointment:

Write down specific examples of what concerns you (with dates if possible)
Note your child’s strengths, too—things they do well
Ask family members or daycare providers if they’ve noticed anything
Use the CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app to compare your child’s development to age-based milestones

4. Minnesota-Specific Resources for Families

Minnesota has strong infrastructure for supporting families who have concerns about their child’s development. Here are the key programs and pathways available to you:

Help Me Grow Minnesota

Help Me Grow MN is the state’s free referral system that connects families with early intervention services through local school districts. You do not need a diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to use it. (Help Me Grow MN — How to Refer)

Online: Submit a referral at helpmegrowmn.org
By phone: Call 1-866-693-GROW (4769)
Direct: Contact your local school district’s early childhood team

Services are free regardless of income or immigration status, and interpreters are available if needed.

Minnesota Autism Portal

The Minnesota Autism Portal (mn.gov/autism) provides information on screening, identification, and how to find diagnostic providers across the state. It also links to the MN Healthcare Program Provider Directory where you can search for CMDE assessments and EIDBI providers. (mn.gov — Minnesota Autism Portal)

Learn the Signs. Act Early. — Minnesota

The University of Minnesota partners with the CDC on the Learn the Signs. Act Early program, which provides free milestone resources, training for childcare providers, and community awareness events across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.

Diagnostic Evaluation Centers in the Twin Cities

If your pediatrician recommends a full diagnostic evaluation, several specialized centers serve Minneapolis-area families: (University of Minnesota — Diagnosis Resources)

Fraser Child and Family Center — Minneapolis
University of Minnesota Autism and Neurodevelopment Clinic — ages 1–18
Children’s Minnesota — multiple locations
Gillette Children’s Hospital — St. Paul

Wait times for diagnostic evaluations can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the center. Starting the referral process early—even before you’re certain—can save valuable time.

5. From Screening to Services: What Happens Next

The path from “I have a concern” to “my child is getting support” involves several steps. Here’s what the typical journey looks like for Minnesota families:

You notice something
- A pattern of signs at home, daycare, or in the community catches your attention.
Talk to your pediatrician
- Share your observations. Ask about an autism-specific screening if one hasn’t been done.
Screening and referral
- If screening flags a concern, your pediatrician will refer you for a diagnostic evaluation.
- You can also contact Help Me Grow MN or submit a referral to Ability Avenues directly.
Diagnostic evaluation
- A specialist or team evaluates your child’s development, behavior, and communication.
- In Minnesota, a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) determines eligibility for the state’s EIDBI benefit.
Accessing services
- With a diagnosis and CMDE, your family can access ABA therapy and other evidence-based supports through EIDBI (funded by Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or MA-TEFRA).
- Services can be delivered in your home, at a therapy center, or a combination of both.

Don’t wait for a diagnosis to act. While you’re waiting for evaluation, you can contact Help Me Grow MN for free early intervention services, and you can reach out to ABA providers to get on waitlists. Starting the process early means support can begin sooner once eligibility is confirmed.

6. What You Can Do Right Now (Even Before a Diagnosis)

Waiting for appointments and evaluations can feel overwhelming. Here are concrete steps you can take today:

Track milestones — Download the CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app and check off what your child is doing at each age.
Keep a journal — Note specific behaviors with dates, times, and context. This helps doctors and evaluators understand the full picture.
Contact Help Me Grow MN — Call 1-866-693-4769 or visit helpmegrowmn.org. Services are free and available before a diagnosis.
Talk to daycare or preschool staff — Teachers see your child in a different context and may have valuable observations.
Start building routines — Consistent daily routines with visual schedules help all children feel more secure, especially those who may be on the spectrum.
Get on provider waitlists — ABA therapy providers often have waitlists. Reaching out early—even before a CMDE—means your child can start sooner once eligibility is established.
Connect with other families — The Autism Society of Minnesota (AUSM) offers support groups, community events, and resources for families at every stage of the journey.

7. Common Myths About Early Signs of Autism

Misinformation can delay families from seeking help. Here are a few things we hear often—and the reality:

“Boys are just late talkers.”

While boys do develop speech at slightly different rates, a consistent pattern of delayed communication combined with other signs warrants a screening. Autism is diagnosed in boys roughly four times more often than girls, partly because signs in girls are sometimes missed due to different presentation patterns. (CDC)

“They’ll grow out of it.”

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. With the right support, children can make significant progress in communication, behavior, and daily living skills—but the earlier that support begins, the more effective it tends to be. (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015)

“My child makes eye contact, so it can’t be autism.”

Eye contact varies widely among children with autism. Some children make eye contact sometimes; others make it frequently but miss other social cues. Autism is a spectrum, and no single sign rules it in or out.

“Getting a label will hurt my child.”

A diagnosis isn’t a label that limits your child—it’s a key that unlocks services, school support, insurance coverage, and a deeper understanding of how your child learns and experiences the world. In Minnesota, a diagnosis opens the door to the EIDBI benefit, which can fund intensive, evidence-based therapy at no cost to qualifying families.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can autism be detected?

Autism can sometimes be identified as early as 12–18 months, and the AAP recommends formal autism screening at 18 and 24 months. However, many children are not diagnosed until age 4 or later, which is why awareness of early signs is so important. (HealthyChildren.org)

Do I need a referral to get my child screened in Minnesota?

No. You can request a screening from your pediatrician at any well-child visit. You can also contact Help Me Grow MN directly—no referral or diagnosis is needed to access early intervention services through your local school district. (Help Me Grow MN)

What is the difference between screening and diagnosis?

Screening is a brief check (usually a questionnaire) that identifies children who may need a closer look. Diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist that determines whether a child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Screening is the first step—if it raises a flag, the next step is a diagnostic evaluation.

How long does a diagnostic evaluation take in Minneapolis?

The evaluation itself typically takes a few hours to a full day, depending on the center. However, wait times to schedule an evaluation can range from several weeks to several months. Contact centers like Fraser, Children’s Minnesota, or the University of Minnesota Autism Clinic early to get on the list.

Can my child receive services before getting a formal diagnosis?

Yes. Minnesota’s early intervention programs through Help Me Grow are available before a diagnosis. Additionally, some children may begin EIDBI services while diagnostic clarification is still underway, as long as medical necessity criteria are met through a CMDE. (Minnesota DHS)

9. How Ability Avenues Can Help Your Family

If you’re a parent in Minneapolis or the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs and you’re noticing early signs that concern you, we want you to know: reaching out is the right move, even if you’re not sure yet.

At Ability Avenues, we work with families every day who started right where you are—with a question, a gut feeling, or a concern from a teacher. Here’s how we can support you:

Answer your questions: We can talk through what you’re seeing and help you understand next steps—no commitment required.
Guide you through the process: From screening to CMDE to starting ABA therapy, we know the Minnesota system inside and out.
Connect you with resources: Whether it’s Help Me Grow, a diagnostic center, or the EIDBI benefit, we can point you in the right direction.
Get your child on our waitlist early: Starting the intake process sooner means less waiting once eligibility is confirmed.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t need a diagnosis to start a conversation. Reach out today:

Contact us to talk about your concerns
Submit a referral to start the intake process
Learn about EIDBI services and how Minnesota funds ABA therapy
Explore our in-home and center-based ABA therapy options

The best time to act is when you first notice something. Trust your instincts—and know that support is available.