Autism is something that affects hundreds of thousands of adults and children in the UK, and the ways in which is shows up can differ from person to person.
It may not always be entirely clear when you should be seeking support, for either you or your child. But according to the National Autistic Society, more than one in 100 people are on the spectrum, so it could be more common than you think.
The condition affects people's ability to communicate and interact with others and may also result in repetitive behaviours or interests.
Some people with autism may not need any help or support to live their daily lives, while others might require assistance from a parent or carer every day.
Chronicle Live reports that to help parents identify when their child may be autistic, and what can be done to support them, the NHS has a guide detailing the most common signs.
These are listed below, along with advice on how to go about getting a diagnosis. You can find more information on their website here.
Autism in young children
Signs of autism in young children include:
- not responding to their name
- avoiding eye contact
- not smiling when you smile at them
- getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
- repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
- not talking as much as other children
- not doing as much pretend play
- repeating the same phrases
Autism in older children
Signs of autism in older children include:
- not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling
- unusual speech, such as repeating phrases and talking ‘at’ others
- liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
- having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
- getting very upset if you ask them to do something
- finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
- taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like "break a leg"
- finding it hard to say how they feel
How to get diagnosed
Talk to someone for advice
If your child is displaying any of the above signs, it may be good to talk to someone about it. You could speak to:
- a GP
- a health visitor (for children under 5)
- any other health professional you or your child see, such as another doctor or therapist
- special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) staff at your child's school
Ask them about referring your child for an autism assessment. These are done by autism specialists, and it's the only way to find out if your child is autistic.
Having an autism assessment
An autism assessment is where a team of specialists check if your child is autistic.
During the assessment, members of the team might want to:
- ask about any problems your child is having
- watch how your child interacts with other people
- speak to people who know your child well, such as family, friends, your GP or your child's teachers
At the end, you'll be given a report saying if your child is autistic.
Receiving a diagnosis can help you understand your child's needs and get advice about support at their school. You can find more information on the National Autistic Society website.
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