Children all develop in their own unique way, and some children may show signs of autism during their early developmental phases. Noticing these signs can help parents or caregivers to better understand the needs of their children and support their development in ways that align with how they experience the world. In this blog, we discuss the most common signs that may indicate your child is autistic, and why going through a comprehensive autism spectrum assessment can be helpful.
Understanding autism and signs that your child is autistic
Autism is a naturally occurring condition that is exemplified by variation in how someone thinks, communicates, moves, and engages with others. Children with autism experience the world differently and benefit from tailored support and a strong understanding of these differences.
Autism can manifest through a broad spectrum of different symptoms. While every child is different, there are some common signs to watch out for in early childhood and toddlerhood that may suggest your child is processing the world in a way consistent with autism.
Social communication differences in autistic children
Autistic children may often show different communication patterns compared to their neurotypical peers. Communication differences are often the most easy to identify signs of autism.
Different speech style and patterns
In many cases, autistic children tend to speak very directly, often interpreted as bluntness by other people. Additionally, they may often tend to use more precise or technical language than neurotypical children and speak without using filler sounds like ‘um’, which can lead to their speech sounding stilted.
Sometimes, autistic children like to incorporate unique words that they have invented. And in certain cases, they may show signs of echolalia and repeat phrases or words that they have heard.
Delayed speech and language development
Autistic children sometimes develop speech and language capabilities at a slower rate. Some autistic children only display limited babbling by 12 months. Others may only use few or no words by 16 months. Regression in language abilities may also occur rather than the expected improvement over time.
Not responding to their name
Children with autism may not consistently respond to their name, even when their hearing is fine. This can be due to different factors including sensory overload, being hyperfocused on something, or delayed auditory processing.
Communicating with fewer gestures
Many autistic children tend to use comparatively few gestures to communicate. This is a result of the distinct way their brains process social information, differences in motor coordination, and their preference for direct verbal communication.
Social interaction and play differences in autistic children
Autistic children frequently interact and play differently with other children compared to their neurotypical peers. This is often just a result of them processing social interactions in a different way and having unique social needs to fulfil.
Preferring alone time
Children who are autistic may prefer proportionally more alone time when compared to neurotypical children. This is not generally rooted in wanting to avoid the company of other people. Alone time is important to help them regulate their emotional state, decompress after a lot of sensory inputs and social interactions, and focus on their special interests without needing to spend effort masking.
Different engagement with imaginative play
Autistic children often have different ways of engaging with imaginative play and pretend scenarios. Some autistic children have trouble engaging with make-believe concepts and collaborating with other children. Conversely, other autistic children may be fine with pretend play but become over-fixated on the rules of the game.
Difficulties with friendships
As a result of their differences, autistic children may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships with other children. It is not primarily driven from a lack of desire for social connection, but rather differences in communication style, sensory issues, and lack of familiarity with neurotypical social norms.
Behavioural presentations suggestive of autism
Generally, autistic children show certain behaviours that are different due to their unique way of processing the world. They sometimes prioritise different types of sensory satisfaction compared to other children.
Preferring arranging to playing
Sometimes, children with autism don’t display traditional styles of playing with toys, preferring to organise and sort objects rather than engaging in imaginative play. This is often because organising provides a sensory satisfaction and helps with emotional regulation.
Special interests
Autistic children tend to become strongly interested in specific topics and engage with them as hobbies. These tend to be niche or specific areas within any number of different topics including science, history or pop culture. They will often develop an encyclopaedic knowledge of these topics and share facts about them.
Hyperfixations
Hyperfixations refer to deep, passionate fascinations that go a step beyond special interests. Rather than simply being hobbies, hyperfixations involve very deep immersion to the extent of ignoring their surroundings for extended periods. This may potentially result in them losing track of time, neglecting certain needs and responsibilities, and becoming irritable when someone tries to interact with them.
Strong preference for routine
Children with autism generally prefer routine and predictability, and may become distressed when the order they are used to is disturbed in some way. This is because rituals and routines serve an important function to autistic people, helping them to self-sooth, reducing their anxiety levels, and allowing them to manage their energy levels by structuring the day.
Repetitive body movements
Individuals with autism may often engage in repetitive body movements such as hand flapping or walking on toes as self-stimulatory behaviours (also known as stimming). These function as coping mechanisms that help them manage and regulate their nervous system, emotions, anxiety, or sensory overload.
Sensory sensitivities
Many autistic children are especially sensitive to sensory stimulation. This may result in them being drawn to seeking out specific sensations, such as chewing clothes or smelling objects. Conversely, they may have adverse reactions to certain stimuli including loud noises and bright lights, resulting in avoidance behaviours.
When to Seek Support
It’s important to note that while these behaviours may indicate autism, they do not constitute a diagnosis on their own. If such signs are observed, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive assessment for diagnostic clarity. At Bowyer Psychology, we have a paediatrician and a team of clinical neuropsychologists who specialise in the assessment of autism. Please submit an enquiry or email/call our friendly administration team to find out more.
