What is Autism?
Autism describes a developmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. It might be noticeable in pre-school years or later as their social world becomes more complex.
Symptoms of autism
Symptoms of autism can affect the following areas.
Communication and interactions with other people
This may include:
- Less back and forth conversation, talking at length without noticing that others would like to speak or talking minimally and seeming unsure how to respond to comments, or showing little interest in what others are saying
- Gestures and facial expressions that may be more muted than expected, for example, they can appear ‘fine’ even when anxious or facial expressions may not match their emotional state, for example, smiling or laughing when anxious
- Less awareness of sharing unless prompted for example, food, toys or joining in fun times with others
Repetitive behaviours and restricted interests
This may include:
- Enjoying repeating behaviours which can be words or actions
- Unusually strong or long-lasting interests that are pre-occupying
- A tendency to get ‘stuck’ on thoughts or ideas and find it hard to change track
- Intolerance of uncertainty, for example, anxiety when faced with small changes to plans
Sensory experiences
- Overly sensitive to sensory input such as touch, noise, light, temperature, taste
- Under sensitive and seeking out sensations such as sniffing, licking, touching
When to consider an assessment for autism
There are several situations in which it may be helpful for a child or young person to have an assessment for autism. For instance:
- If you have concerns about your child’s development that overlap the symptoms described above.
- If your child has developed an awareness of difficulties, is questioning their skills in the areas described, and you have noticed the same issues.
- If an autism assessment has been recommended by your child’s GP, School or CAMHS service.
How an assessment for autism can help
Understanding your child’s lived experience is key to their development. Given the correct, tailored, targeted supports children can flourish, both in education and at home. This can only follow a detailed assessment to identify their specific strengths and difficulties at an individual level. We often find that children and young people are relieved that their experience is not so unusual, and that there are many other children, young people and adults with similar neurodiverse profiles.