Every child learns social skills at their own speed, and children with autism spectrum disorder often learn these skills in their own unique way. Understanding common social milestones can help you recognize your child’s progress and decide whether additional support, like ABA therapy or other services, could be helpful.
These milestones aren’t strict rules or timelines. They are general guides that help you see how your child is developing and where they might need a little more support.
Early Social Awareness
The foundation of social skills starts with noticing other people and showing interest in them. For children with autism, this awareness might look different from what it does in other kids, but it is just as important.
At this beginning stage, your child might start looking at people when their name is called. They may watch other children play, even if they’re not ready to join in yet. Some children begin responding to simple greetings like “hi” or “bye” with a wave or word.
Sharing attention is another early social milestone. Your child may bring you a toy to show you something interesting or look where you point when you say, “Look at that bird!” These shared moments help build the foundation for future social skills.
Many children at this stage begin to enjoy simple games like peek-a-boo or rolling a ball back and forth. Even if they play in their own way, what matters most is that they are interacting. In-home therapy can help build these early connections by practicing skills in familiar, comfortable settings where your child feels safe.
Building Basic Interactions
As children grow, their social world expands. During this stage, kids with autism often make noticeable progress in how they interact with family members and other familiar adults.
Your child might start requesting things using words, signs, or pictures instead of just leading you by the hand. They may begin greeting familiar people without prompts or responding when someone says hello to them. Some children start showing interest in playing near other kids, which is often called parallel play.
Turn-taking becomes possible during this stage. Your child might take turns during simple games or activities, even if they need reminders about when it’s someone else’s turn. They may also begin copying actions during songs or games, like clapping or following simple movements.
Learning about feelings also begins at this stage. Your child might recognize when someone is happy or sad based on their face or voice. They may come to you for comfort when they’re upset, which shows they understand that other people can help them feel better.
Parent ABA training during this stage focuses on creating opportunities for these interactions throughout the day. You’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into chances for your child to practice social skills naturally.
Expanding Social Connections
As social skills continue to grow, children with autism often begin practicing more complex interactions. These milestones bring opportunities to form friendships and take part in group activities.
Your child might start engaging in back-and-forth conversations about topics they enjoy. Even if the conversations are short or focused on their special interests, the exchange is important. They may begin asking questions to learn more about something or show curiosity about what others are doing.
Playing with other children becomes more interactive at this stage. Your child might join group activities for short periods or take part in cooperative games with support. They may start understanding basic game rules and trying to follow them, even if they need help remembering or get frustrated sometimes.
Understanding social signals develops over time. Your child may begin to notice how other people are feeling by looking at their faces. They may also start to understand that some behaviors, like talking too loudly, can make others uncomfortable. They may start adjusting their behavior based on these observations, like using a quieter voice in certain places.
Social Skills as Children Grow
As children grow, they often begin to focus on building closer relationships and handling more complex social situations.
Friendships may develop around shared interests. Your child might have a friend they enjoy spending time with regularly, even if the friendship looks different from typical peer relationships. They may communicate with friends in ways that work for them, participate in activities together, or spend time doing things they both enjoy.
Managing emotions in social settings improves. Your child may use strategies they’ve learned to calm down when they’re upset or ask for breaks when social situations become overwhelming. They might recognize their own limits and communicate when they need space.
Problem-solving with peers develops, too. Your child may sort out simple disagreements, compromise during activities, or help a friend with something. These skills show that they are learning to handle relationships more maturely.
Recognizing Progress in Your Child’s Journey
Every milestone your child reaches deserves celebration, no matter how small it may seem. Social skills don’t develop in a straight line. Your child might master something one day and struggle with it the next, and that’s completely normal.
Some children move through these milestones quickly, while others take more time. What matters is that your child is making progress at their own pace and receiving the support they need along the way.
In-home therapy provides a comfortable environment where your child can practice social skills without the pressure of unfamiliar settings. Therapists work with your family’s daily routines, turning regular activities into learning opportunities.
Through parent ABA training, you’ll learn how to support your child’s social development every day. You’ll learn to recognize progress, create practice opportunities, and help your child feel confident as they interact with others.