Question 1

What are the first signs of autism in a child?

Accepted Answer

The earliest signs often appear between 12 and 18 months. These include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed or absent pointing and gesturing, reduced babbling, and a lack of interest in other children. Some children also show repetitive movements such as hand flapping or lining up toys.

Question 2

At what age can autism be diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Autism can be reliably diagnosed from around age 2, though many children are not diagnosed until later. Some GPs and paediatricians will make referrals from 18 months if there are clear concerns. Earlier identification allows families to access support sooner, which can make a real difference to a child’s development.

Question 3

Can a child be autistic and still make eye contact?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many autistic children do make eye contact, especially with familiar people like parents. Eye contact differences vary widely across the autism spectrum. Some children learn to make eye contact because they have been taught to, even though it may feel uncomfortable. Reduced eye contact is one possible sign, not a requirement for diagnosis.

Question 4

What is the difference between autism and a speech delay?

Accepted Answer

A speech delay means a child is slower to develop spoken language but typically communicates through gestures, facial expressions, and social engagement. Autism involves broader differences in social communication, interaction, and behaviour patterns. A child with autism may have delayed speech, but they will also show differences in how they relate to others, respond to sensory input, or engage in play. Some autistic children develop speech on a typical timeline.

Question 5

How do I get my child assessed for autism in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Start by speaking to your GP or health visitor about your concerns. They can refer your child to a specialist team, usually a community paediatrician or child development centre. You can also ask your child’s nursery or school SENCO to share their observations. NHS waiting times vary by area, so it is worth asking about the expected timeline. While waiting, you can use free screening tools like AskSheldon to better understand the signs you are seeing.

Señales de autismo en niños — por grupos de edad

Señales en niños de 12 a 24 meses

Señales en niños de 2 a 5 años

Señales en niños de 6 a 12 años

Cuándo buscar una evaluación

¿A qué edad se pueden detectar los signos de autismo en un niño?

¿Pueden las niñas tener señales de autismo diferentes a los niños?

¿Mi hijo podría tener autismo y TDAH al mismo tiempo?

¿Puede mi hijo recibir ayuda antes del diagnóstico formal?

¿Qué debo decirle al médico si creo que mi hijo podría ser autista?

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