As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the little things: the way they communicate, how they respond to changes in routine, how they interact with other children and the things that seem to overwhelm or comfort them.
Sometimes, you may begin to wonder whether these differences could be signs of autism. Perhaps your child has difficulty making friends, becomes very distressed when plans change, has particular routines or interests, or experiences the world around them differently from other children.
For many parents, recognising these signs can raise more questions than answers. Does my child have autism? Should I seek an assessment? What happens next?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that can affect how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world around them. Every autistic child is different, and there is no single set of behaviours that means a child is autistic.
What are the signs of autism in children?
Autism can present in many different ways, and some signs may be noticeable from an early age while others may become more apparent as a child gets older and social or educational demands increase.
Some children may experience differences in:
Communication
A child who is autistic may have difficulty understanding or using language in the way other children do. This could include speaking later than expected, finding it difficult to understand what someone means, taking things literally or having difficulty with conversations.
Some children may also have a very advanced vocabulary but still find the social side of communication challenging.
Social interaction
You may notice that your child finds it difficult to make or maintain friendships, prefers playing alone, or doesn’t always understand social rules that seem obvious to other children.
They may find eye contact, taking turns in conversation or understanding facial expressions and body language difficult.
However, being shy, preferring their own company or finding social situations difficult does not automatically mean a child is autistic.
Repetitive behaviours and routines
Some autistic children have repetitive movements or behaviours, or feel more comfortable when things happen in a predictable way.
For example, your child may become particularly upset when their routine changes, insist that things are done in a specific way or develop strong interests in particular subjects.
Changes that may seem small to an adult can sometimes feel much bigger to a child.
Sensory differences
Some children experience sights, sounds, smells, tastes or physical sensations differently.
Your child might be particularly sensitive to loud noises, certain textures of clothing, bright lights or particular foods. Other children may actively seek out certain sensory experiences.
These differences can vary significantly from one child to another.
My child doesn’t have all of these signs. Could they still be autistic?
Yes.
There is no checklist that can tell you whether your child is autistic. Autistic children do not all behave in the same way, and they will not necessarily show every commonly recognised sign.
NICE guidance specifically advises that autism should not be ruled out simply because a child does not display every feature associated with autism. Signs also need to be considered in the context of the child’s overall development and circumstances.
This is particularly important because autism can sometimes be less obvious in girls and in older children who have developed ways of adapting to social situations.
Could it be something other than autism?
There can be several possible explanations for changes in behaviour, communication or development.
For example, children can experience difficulties associated with ADHD, anxiety, speech and language difficulties, learning difficulties or other developmental differences. Some children may have more than one condition at the same time.
This is why it is important not to try to diagnose your child based solely on information you find online.
A healthcare professional can look at the bigger picture, including your child’s development, behaviour, medical history and experiences at home and school.
Should I get my child assessed for autism?
If you have ongoing concerns about your child’s development or behaviour, it is reasonable to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
You do not need to wait until you are certain that your child is autistic before asking for advice.
The NHS recommends speaking to a GP if you think your child may be autistic. You can also speak to your child’s nursery or school, including the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), as they may be able to share observations about how your child communicates and interacts in an educational environment.
Importantly, NICE recommends that parents’ concerns about their child’s behaviour or development should be taken seriously, even if those concerns are not initially shared by other people.
What happens during an autism assessment?
An autism assessment is not simply a test that your child passes or fails.
A diagnostic assessment usually involves gathering information from a number of different sources to build a picture of your child’s development and behaviour.
Depending on your child’s age and circumstances, this may include:
- Talking to you about your child’s development and early milestones
- Discussing your child’s behaviour at home and school
- Reviewing their medical and developmental history
- Observing how your child communicates and interacts
- Looking at social communication and behaviour
- Considering other conditions that could be contributing to their difficulties
- Speaking with other professionals involved in your child’s care, where appropriate
NHS guidance explains that children’s autism assessments may involve a team of different professionals and can include activities designed to understand how a child communicates, thinks, reacts and interacts with others.
NICE also recommends that an assessment considers a child’s strengths, skills, difficulties and individual needs rather than focusing solely on whether they meet diagnostic criteria.
Can autism be diagnosed in older children?
Yes.
While some children show clear developmental differences from a young age, autism is not always recognised during the early years.
As children get older, the increasing demands of school, friendships and independence can make previously subtle differences more noticeable.
Some children also develop ways of adapting or masking difficulties, meaning that their challenges may not be immediately obvious to parents, teachers or healthcare professionals.
If you have concerns about an older child or teenager, it is still appropriate to seek professional advice.
What if my child is diagnosed with autism?
A diagnosis can mean different things to different families.
For some parents, it provides an explanation for behaviours or challenges they have noticed for years. It can help families understand their child’s individual needs and identify appropriate support.
An autism diagnosis does not change who your child is. It can, however, provide a better understanding of how they experience the world and where they may need additional support.
Importantly, support should be based on your child’s individual needs rather than simply their diagnosis.
What if my child isn’t diagnosed with autism?
An assessment can still be useful even if your child does not receive an autism diagnosis.
If your child’s difficulties are affecting their wellbeing, education, relationships or everyday life, the assessment process may help identify other areas where they could benefit from support.
There may be another explanation for the difficulties you have noticed, or your child may have needs that require support without meeting the diagnostic criteria for autism.
The important thing is that your concerns are listened to and your child receives appropriate support.
What should I do if I’m worried about my child?
If you have started asking yourself, “Does my child have autism?”, you do not need to have all the answers before seeking advice.
Start by writing down the things you have noticed. It can be useful to record examples of situations where your child struggles, how they respond to changes, how they communicate and interact with others, and anything that appears to trigger distress or anxiety.
You may also want to speak with your child’s school or nursery to understand whether they have noticed similar patterns.
Most importantly, trust your instincts as a parent. A single behaviour does not necessarily indicate autism, but persistent concerns about your child’s development are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Specialist Paediatric and Neurodevelopmental Support at Midland Health
At Midland Health, we understand that concerns about your child’s development can be difficult and, at times, overwhelming.
Our Birmingham clinic provides access to experienced paediatric and neurodevelopmental professionals who can assess your child’s individual needs and help you understand the next steps.
Our autism assessments are carried out by a specialist multidisciplinary team, including Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and Specialist Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), who work together to understand your child’s development, communication and individual needs.
You do not need to wait until you are certain that autism is the explanation for your child’s difficulties. If something doesn’t feel quite right, speaking to an experienced professional can be an important first step.
If you are concerned about your child’s development or behaviour, don’t delay and book your free 10-minute paediatric ASD Consultation call.
