What is a common early sign of autism in children?

Lack of eye contact is recognized as a common early sign of autism in children. This behavior can indicate difficulties with social interaction, which is a core characteristic associated with autism spectrum disorder. Typically, children engage in eye contact as a means of connecting with others and sharing attention. A child who consistently avoids making eye contact may struggle with social cues and understanding the emotions of those around them, which can hinder their ability to communicate and form relationships.

The other options may relate to aspects of development, but they are not specific early signs of autism. For instance, excessive talking is often a feature of typical social communication development in some children, while difficulty with fine motor skills can be seen in a variety of developmental disorders and not exclusively in autism. Strong attachment to toys might occur in many children, including those who are typically developing, and does not specifically signify autism on its own. These distinctions highlight why lack of eye contact is a key indicator in early assessments for autism.