Further information:
Autism affects the way a child or young person communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. The earliest signs of autism are reflected in the way your child starts to communicate and develop language skills. There may be a delay in the development of speech, or the child may never learn to speak.
On the other end, a child may be far ahead of their peers in terms of language development but may not be aware of the volume they speak at and may mimic phrases and accents they hear on tv. Your child may struggle to read other people’s body language and it may be hard for them to express their emotions to you or others.
Although you as a parent may have taken the necessary steps to understand your child and their behaviours and triggers, this doesn’t always translate to other people who interact with your child. It is important your child is in a school environment which can help them grow and make them feel safe – be aware of how your child is treated by their teachers and the school as a whole and determine whether that is the right environment for them. As a parent, you are the anchor for your child in a world that is mostly catered to neurotypical individuals.
It is a common misconception autism mostly affects boys – but it is now understood that autistic girls may be less likely to receive a diagnosis due to masking behaviours. As a result, girls may struggle in school and at home without understanding their triggers and sensitivities. A diagnosis provides a way for children to recognise approaches which work for them, helping them to thrive in the future.
Seek out a diagnosis if your child is delayed in meeting developmental milestones, seems socially withdrawn, resists different tastes and textures, or engages in challenging behaviour. The first step to getting a diagnosis would be to talk to your GP who will be able to refer you to the relevant health care professional.
