Regardless of whether your son or daughter is your first child or you have other children, it’s understandable to be concerned if he or she doesn’t seem to be meeting common developmental milestones in the same way as peers.
You might even be wondering: Does my child have autism?
If this is a question you’re asking yourself consider these common signs of autism, shared by Kids First team below.
Social
Children who have autism often have problems with age-appropriate socialization. If your child has autism, even as a baby or toddler, he or she may display social communication problems, including:
Lack of eye contact
Does not like to be cuddled, even by close family
As a baby, does not pay attention to faces
Frightened by unfamiliar faces
Does not smile or respond to other people’s emotions
As a toddler, has little or no interest in make-believe play, such as caring for a doll or making truck sounds when playing with a play truck
Lack of interest in playing with other children, preferring to play alone
The child seems to be in their own world
Does not respond to their own name
As a child with autism starts school and progresses into the teenage years, many of these same social signs will continue, but they may be accompanied by things such as:
Problems with conversations, including dominating conversations and not understanding how to take turns
Especially in girls, rather than avoiding the make-believe world, the child may be strongly imaginative, escaping to nature or fiction to avoid facing the real world
Being strict about following rules in school and sports
Needing to follow a routine, and sometimes having a meltdown if their routine is disrupted
Unusual anxiety when in crowded public places
Behavioural
Children with autism often display behaviours that could be considered unusual. Some of those behaviours include:
As a baby or small child, excessive crying or, on the other extreme, a lack of crying
Repetitive actions, such as hand flapping, spinning around in circles, pacing, or prolonged rocking
Unusual sensitivity to loud noises, strong smells, taste, or certain textures (such as socks or clothing tags)
Reduced reactions to sensory input, including low pain sensitivity or little reaction to sounds
Obsession or fixation on a certain object or subject, with little to no interest in anything else
Unusual play, such as lining up or spinning toys
Communication
Communication, including speech and language skills, is another area where many children with autism struggle. If your child is dsiplaying signs of autism, you may have noticed problems like:
Delayed speech, this includes not saying single words, babbling, or imitating the sounds made by others by about a year old as well as not having four-five word sentences by about three years old
Loss of language skills, including a child who once talked suddenly appearing to have no language skills
Lack of non-verbal communication, this includes not pointing to objects, nodding their head, and understanding the non-verbal social cues of peers
Motor Skills
Some children with autism also display problems with certain motor skills. Some motor skills signs that your child may have autism include:
Being unable to crawl or stand with assistance by about a year old
Cannot walk alone by 18 months or walks only on his or her toes
Unable to climb, kick a ball, or navigate stairs without help by the age of three
When to seek advice
These are just some of the signs of autism. Even if your child is displaying some of these signs, that does not necessarily mean your child has autism.
An evaluation by an expert will be needed to determine the cause of these developmental delays or behaviours.
If you think your child may have autism, contact us. We can help you get a proper diagnosis as well as provide early intervention services, increasing your child’s chances of success.
At Kids First, we love to hear from outstanding professionals who share our commitment for helping kids and families to thrive and not just cope.
Are you the right person for our warm and accomplished team?
More importantly, is our respected and positive practice the right environment for you – not just to spend a year – but to build a rewarding career?
Reach out to Kids First now!
Apply Now!
"*" indicates required fields
We’d love to chat with you about your child!
Please complete the form below and our team will get in touch shortly to answer any questions you have about Kids First’s Supported Playgroup.
NDIS support is available.
Contact Kids First now to book a presentation for your community
We’d love to present a program for your families or team!
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Community Service Seminars - Early Childhood
Supporting Northern Beaches children from Manly to Mona Vale since 2007
Can we help your child?
Complete the form below and our team will get in touch with you shortly.
Does your child aged 5-7 worry, stress or have anxiety? Courageous Kids groups can help.
Can we help your child?
Complete the form below and our team will get in touch with you shortly.
Does your child worry, stress or have anxiety? Cool Kids groups can help.
Can we help a child you care about?
Complete the form below and our team will get in touch with you shortly.
Does your child worry, stress or have anxiety? Kids First can help.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Need help finding the right service? Kids First is happy to help you.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Make school transitions less daunting with our School Ready Toolkit.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Kids First can help with the extra support your child may need to transition to school.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Does your child need help navigating social expectations? Kids First can help
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Give your child the skills and confidence to start 'big' school.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
For children in years 7 to 12 who are struggling with Maths or Science.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Active learning for real-life social and practical skills with plenty of fun and creativity too!
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Kids First evaluations can help you understand your child’s needs.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Is your child having trouble with pencil grip, letter formations or coordination? Kids First can help
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
LEGO® Club groups increase children’s social confidence and kids don’t realise they’re learning.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Does your child find it difficult to communicate? Art club groups is therapy cleverly disguised as fun.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Kids First social skill group equip your child with long-lasting social skills.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Make the most of your NDIS funding or see if you're eligible for NDIS funding.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
Are big emotions impacting you and your child? Kids First therapists can help.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Occupational therapy can help with your child's self esteem, independence and emotional control.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
See how early intervention support can help your child at home and school.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Does your child need speech pathology? Contact our team and we'll get you the help you need.
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.
NDIS support is available.
Help your teenager to make wise choices for the future
Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch shortly.