Children often point at things they want or catch their interest—a passing airplane, a favorite toy, or a snack in the fridge

• What You Might Expect: Your child may point excitedly at a toy and look at you, waiting for you to share in their wonder.

• What You Might See in a Child at Risk for Autism: Your child might not point to things or respond when you try to guide their attention to something far away.

Hearing your baby babble feels like the start of a conversation, even if the words are more "gaga" than "mama." These moments are meaningful steps toward language.

• What You Might Expect: Your baby might babble happily, combining sounds like “dadada” or “bababa” as if they’re speaking their own language to you.

• What You Might See: Your little one might not babble much or may make high-pitched noises without directing them toward anyone in particular.

A smile can light up your day, and your child’s giggles during playtime create lasting memories. But children show their emotions in different ways.

• Expected: Your child might smile back when you smile at them or laugh spontaneously when you’re playful.

• Possible Risk: Smiles might come less often or require more involvement from you such as physical contact through things like tickling, instead of as a response to your smile or interaction.

Being around other kids is a chance for your child to explore friendships and play.

• Expectation: Your child might eagerly join a game of tag with other children at the park.

• Possible Risk: They might seem more comfortable playing alone, even when encouraged to join in. They might also struggle to successfully integrate themselves in the play often seeming a few steps behind or “out of the loop”.

Eye contact is a powerful way children connect and communicate with us, even before they have words.

• What You Might Expect: You may notice your child looking at you, then at what they want, and back to you to signal their need.

• Possible Risk: Your child might avoid eye contact altogether or not use it to engage with you during everyday interactions.

Children love to share their favorite objects with you, whether it’s a toy, a leaf, or something exciting they found.

• Expectation: Your child might hold up a ball, look at you, and babble as if to say, “Look, isn’t this cool?”

• Possible Risk: Your little one might place the ball near you or in your hand without looking at you or making sounds, as if it’s for safekeeping rather than sharing.

Your child’s expressions, from surprise to curiosity, are a beautiful way they share what they’re feeling inside.

• Expectation: You might see their eyes widen in delight when they discover a new toy.

• Possible Risk: Facial expressions might be less varied or not quite match the emotions of the moment.

Connecting with your child—whether by calling their name or through a loving cuddle—is a special part of parenting. These moments of recognition and closeness can tell us a lot about how they’re engaging with the world.

• What You Might Expect: When you call your child’s name, they may stop what they’re doing, look at you, and light up with recognition. Similarly, they might seek cuddles regularly, especially when they’re tired, upset, or simply wanting to be close.

• Possible Risk: Your child may not respond consistently to their name, even after repeated attempts, and might only acknowledge you when physically prompted. They may also resist cuddles or physical affection, preferring firm touches (pressure) or distance unless they’re feeling unwell or distressed.