What is autism?
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a developmental condition that begins in early childhood. It affects how a child connects with other people and communicates, and many autistic children also repeat certain actions or hold on tightly to routines.
Most parents begin to notice differences between two and two-and-a-half years of age. Some children seem to develop as expected until then.
Signs to look for
Social connection
- Little eye contact, or not smiling back at familiar people
- Not responding when their name is called
- Preferring to play alone; finding turn-taking hard
- Crying or laughing at unexpected moments
- No sense of danger, such as near roads, fire or electrical points
- Hurting themselves, such as head-banging or hitting
Communication
- Speech that stops or is lost after around 2 years
- Not pointing or gesturing to show what they need
- Unusual sounds, animal noises or words without meaning
- Not starting or keeping up a conversation
Repeated behaviours
- Flapping, waving or clapping hands; spinning
- Opening and closing doors, flicking switches
- Repeating words, sentences or whole passages
Routines & senses
- Insisting on the same route, clothes or patterns
- Playing with one part of a toy, like the wheels of a car
- Smelling, touching or licking objects a lot
- Covering ears at everyday sounds: mixie, horn, cooker whistle
What causes autism?
There is no single known cause. Autism is not caused by parenting, screen time, too little stimulation, a difficult home environment or emotional trauma, although these can make a child’s difficulties harder to manage.
If your child has autism, it is not because of something you did.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for autism, but with early support children build real skills and go on to live fuller, more independent lives. Support usually combines behavioural therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and special education, with parents playing a central role at home. Medication, prescribed by a doctor, can ease particular symptoms but does not treat autism itself.
The earlier support begins, the better. You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to start helping your child.
How I can help
- Developmental screening through a detailed parent interview and guided observation
- Clear guidance on next steps, including referral to a paediatrician or child psychiatrist for formal diagnosis where needed
- Parent training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and sensory strategies you can use at home
- Behaviour management plans for tantrums, self-injury and daily routines
- Guidance for teachers and schools
- Counselling for parents dealing with stress and worry
When to reach out
Speak to a professional if your child is not babbling or pointing by 12 months, has no single words by 16 months, does not respond to their name, or loses speech or social skills at any age.
This guide is for general awareness and is not a diagnosis. Every child is different. Please consult a qualified professional about your child.