informational
Do Autistic Babies Laugh When Tickled? Research Insights 2025
As someone who is autistic and has spent a lifetime studying how sensory input affects behavior, I'm often asked about the small, early signs parents notice in their children. One common question is about tickling. It seems simple, but a baby’s giggle, or lack thereof, can feel very important. Parents wonder if their baby's response is typical or if an unusual reaction might signal autism spectrum disorder. For an article updated for 2025, we will look at recent research which provides clearer insights into the differences between how autistic and non-autistic babies respond to tickling. This guide summarizes key findings from pediatric studies and clinical observations to help you understand these sensory reactions in infants.
Typical Tickling Responses in Babies
Most neurotypical babies respond predictably to tickling:
- They laugh immediately and show obvious enjoyment.
- Anticipatory smiling develops between 8–12 months – babies begin giggling before you even touch them.
- They maintain eye contact during this playful interaction.
- They engage in back-and-forth play, showing social reciprocity.
- Initiating tickling games typically emerges between 12–24 months when babies present body parts to be tickled.
This playful interaction builds emotional bonds and supports social development. Developing infants usually understand tickling as a fun social game rather than just a physical sensation.
How Autistic Babies Respond to Tickling
Research shows autistic babies often have different reactions to tickling:
- Variable laughter patterns: Some laugh normally, others may not laugh at all, while some might show delayed or unusual laughter responses [1, 2].
- Less social engagement: They may not anticipate or initiate tickling games.
- Reduced reciprocity: The back-and-forth social exchange common in tickling games may be limited.
- Focus on sensation: They may enjoy the physical feeling but not engage with the social part of the game.
| Comparison of Tickling Responses | Neurotypical Babies | Autistic Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Laughter pattern | Immediate, consistent laughter | Variable – may be normal, absent, or delayed |
| Social engagement | High – maintains eye contact | Often reduced – less social connection |
| Anticipation | Develops 8–12 months | May be absent or reduced |
| Initiation | Initiates tickling games (12–24 months) | Less likely to initiate tickling games |
| Reciprocity | Strong back-and-forth play | Limited back-and-forth exchange |
| Focus | Social interaction and sensation | Often primarily on physical sensation |
| Anticipatory smiling | ~87% show anticipatory smiling | ~23% show anticipatory smiling |
Sensory Processing Differences Explained
Differences in sensory processing affect how autistic babies experience tickling. Studies using EEG and other neuroimaging techniques have revealed distinct neural patterns in infants with autism during sensory tasks [5]. I think about this in very practical terms. For some of us, certain sensations are just too much.
Hypersensitive Babies
- May find gentle tickling overwhelming or uncomfortable. I remember as a child that light, unexpected touch could be startling. It’s not that it hurt, but it was overwhelming, like a fire alarm going off on my skin.
- Might cry, withdraw, or show distress even with light touch.
- May arch their back, stiffen, or push away hands.
- Often display other touch sensitivities (clothing tags, certain fabrics).
- They need gentler, more predictable touch [4].
Hyposensitive Babies
- May show minimal or no reaction to typical tickling.
- Might seek stronger sensory input to register the sensation. On the other hand, some children need stronger input. I always preferred deep pressure; it helped me feel calm and organized. A light tickle might not have even gotten my attention.
- Could appear indifferent despite internal enjoyment.
- Often enjoy deep pressure more than light tickling.
- May benefit from more intense or prolonged tactile play [1].
Some autistic babies show both patterns in different situations or on different parts of their body, making their responses even more varied.
Social and Emotional Components of Tickling
The social part of tickling also impacts how babies respond:
- Neurotypical babies typically enjoy the social exchange as much as the sensation. From my perspective as someone who thinks in pictures, the social rules of a game like tickling can be confusing.
- Autistic babies may focus more on the physical feeling than the social interaction.
- Shared attention during tickling may be reduced in autistic infants.
- Emotional expressions might be more subtle or delayed in autistic babies.
- Parent-child bonding still occurs but may take different forms [3].
Research by the University of Washington found that while 87% of neurotypical babies showed anticipatory smiling before tickling, only 23% of babies later diagnosed with autism showed the same anticipation [3].
Key Research Findings: University of Washington Study
The University of Washington study published in Current Biology on April 8, 2024, provided important insights into early infant social development:
- Study participants: 5-month-old infants followed until 2.5 years of age.
- Methodology: Used magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain imaging to monitor neural responses during social versus non-social interactions.
- Key finding: Enhanced neural activity in response to social interaction at 5 months predicted better language development at later ages.
This research supports the importance of early social engagement patterns, including responses to tickling, as indicators of typical development.
Distinguishing Responses Across Different Conditions
Understanding how different developmental conditions affect tickling responses helps parents and clinicians make informed observations:
| Condition | Sensory Response | Social Response | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism (ASD) | Atypical: Little/no reaction, or negative (discomfort, withdrawal) due to hyper/hyposensitivity | Reduced: Struggle to interpret playful nature, lack reciprocal play | Both sensory and social atypicalities |
| Sensory Processing Disorder (without autism) | Atypical: Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to touch | Typically preserved: Enjoys interaction if sensory input is tolerable | Social reciprocity remains intact |
| Global Developmental Delay | May be delayed but generally follows typical patterns of enjoyment | Responsive but slower to engage; still participates when developmentally ready | Responses delayed but follow typical patterns |
Professional Interactive Assessment Methods
Clinicians use various interactive games beyond tickling to evaluate infant development:
Turn-taking Games
- Rolling a ball back and forth
- Passing toys between parent and child
- Taking turns pressing toy buttons
Imitation Games
- Adult makes facial expressions for the baby to copy
- Sound imitation (tongue clicks, silly noises)
- Action imitation (patting a table, clapping)
Reciprocal Play Activities
- Peek-a-boo (typical engagement: 6–12 months)
- Hide and reveal toys
- "Pretend sneeze" games where toys are "sneezed" off a parent's head
Music and Rhythm Games
- Joint clapping and drumming
- Action songs like "Pat-a-cake"
- Turn-taking with instruments
Typical responses include engaging in back-and-forth play, anticipating actions, and sharing attention between objects and people.
Atypical responses include a failure to take turns, minimal imitation, poor eye contact, or appearing distressed during social games.
Do Autistic Babies Like to Be Held?
Autistic babies have varied responses to being held. Some crave deep-pressure hugs, while others may resist or squirm away. It often comes down to the type of touch. I know for me, a firm, squeezing hug was always welcome, it felt very calming. But a light, feathery stroke? No, thank you. A child might love tight hugs but dislike gentle stroking, and it's important to listen to their physical feedback.
Do Autistic Babies Play Peek-a-Boo?
Peek-a-boo typically develops between 6–12 months in neurotypical babies. Many autistic babies may not engage with peek-a-boo in typical ways, focusing more on the sensory or visual aspects than the social anticipation. However, some enjoy the game, especially as they grow more comfortable with social interaction.
Signs Your Baby is Not Autistic
Common signs pointing to typical development include:
- Responsive social smiling by 6 months
- Making eye contact during feeding or play
- Turning toward sounds and voices
- Enjoying interactive games like peek-a-boo
- Responding to their name by 9 months
These skills, along with shared enjoyment during playful tickling, point to typical social development.
Signs Your Toddler is Not Autistic
As children grow into toddlerhood, positive indicators expand to include:
- Using gestures and words to communicate wants
- Engaging in pretend play (feeding a doll, acting out scenarios)
- Showing interest in other children
- Showing empathy when someone is upset
- Adapting to routine changes with flexibility
Adapting Your Approach Based on Your Baby's Needs
Understanding your baby's sensory profile helps create positive experiences:
For Sensitive Babies:
- Start with predictable, gentle touch.
- Announce tickling before doing it.
- Respect signs of discomfort or being overwhelmed.
- Allow breaks and control.
- Use deep pressure rather than light tickling.
For Sensation-Seeking Babies:
- Provide more intense sensory input.
- Extend play sessions.
- Combine tickling with movement or sound.
- Look for subtle signs of enjoyment.
- Create sensory-rich environments.
Professional Insights on Early Autism Detection
Pediatric specialists emphasize:
- A tickling response alone is never diagnostic for autism.
- Multiple behavioral markers should be observed over time.
- Early screening typically begins at 18–24 months.
- Earlier intervention leads to better outcomes.
- Parent observations are crucial to the diagnostic process [2].
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Autistic and non-autistic babies can both enjoy tickling, but often in different ways.
- Sensory processing differences may make tickling more or less enjoyable for autistic babies.
- Respond to your baby's cues, whether they love tickling or find it overwhelming.
- Observe patterns across multiple types of social interaction, not just tickling.
- Consult a pediatrician if you notice consistent differences in social engagement or sensory responses [4].
Remember that each baby has unique preferences regardless of neurotype. Following your baby's lead creates the most positive experiences for both of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do autistic babies like being tickled?
Some do while others don't. Autistic babies have individual sensory profiles, those with hypersensitivity may find tickling overwhelming, while those with hyposensitivity might seek more intense sensations [1].
How do autistic babies laugh?
Autistic babies may laugh in various ways, some laugh typically, others might have unique patterns, and some laugh less frequently. The timing may differ, occurring in response to sensory experiences rather than social interactions.
Do autistic babies laugh at TV?
Autistic babies may laugh at TV, often for different reasons than neurotypical babies. Their laughter could be triggered by repetitive sounds, visuals, or sensory elements rather than the social cues in a show.
Why does my autistic child like to be tickled?
Some autistic children are hyposensitive and seek stronger sensory input, which can make them drawn to tickling. Others may appreciate the predictability of a familiar routine.
What does the autism mirror test show?
The autism mirror test looks at a baby's reaction to their reflection. It can offer clues about social awareness but is just one piece of a much larger picture and not a diagnostic tool on its own.
[1] https://blossomabatherapy.com/blog/autistic-babies-tickling-responses
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38174406/
[3] https://www.levelaheadaba.com/blog/tickling-and-autism-do-babies-laugh
[4] https://www.steadystridesaba.com/blog/do-autistic-toddlers-like-to-be-tickled
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12031149/