Autism in Children - A Checklist of 10 Common Signs

10 Signs of Autism in Children

1. Limited eye contact and non-verbal communication

Children with autism may avoid or struggle with eye contact, or find it difficult to use and understand facial expressions and gestures. This can make it harder to connect with others, and teachers or parents may notice that the child does not respond to a smile or wave in the same way as their peers.

2. Difficulties with social interaction

Many children with autism show less interest in friendships or group play. They may prefer to play alone, or struggle to join in with others because unspoken rules of play are confusing. As a result, they can sometimes be misunderstood as “shy” or “withdrawn.”

3. Differences in speech and language

Some children develop speech later than expected, while others may use language differently. Echolalia (repeating words or phrases) is common, and conversations may be one-sided or focused on specific interests. Understanding sarcasm, jokes, or figurative language is often difficult, leading to social misunderstandings.

4. Strong need for routines

Change can be very stressful for children with autism. They may insist that daily routines happen in exactly the same way, such as eating meals in a specific order or walking the same route to school. Unexpected changes can lead to anxiety or meltdowns.

5. Repetitive behaviours

Hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up toys are examples of repetitive behaviours that can bring comfort and stability. These behaviours often serve as a way to manage sensory input or regulate emotions, but they can sometimes interfere with learning or social interaction.

6. Intense and highly focused interests

Children with autism often have strong special interests that can dominate their time and conversations. These may range from dinosaurs and trains to music or numbers. While these interests can provide joy and expertise, they can also make it harder to engage with other activities.

7. Sensory sensitivities

Sensory processing differences are common in autism. A child may cover their ears in noisy classrooms, refuse certain clothing textures, or become distressed by bright lights or strong smells. In other cases, they may seek sensory stimulation, such as touching different surfaces or watching spinning objects.

8. Difficulty understanding social rules

Children with autism may find it hard to recognise unspoken social rules, such as taking turns in conversation, knowing when to speak, or how close to stand to someone. This can make it challenging to build and maintain friendships.

9. Emotional regulation challenges

Autistic children may react strongly to small changes or frustrations. Meltdowns can occur when they feel overwhelmed, and it may take a long time for them to calm down afterwards. Parents sometimes describe their child as having “big feelings” that are difficult to manage.

10. Masking behaviours

Some children, particularly girls, learn to “mask” their autistic traits by copying others’ social behaviours. They may appear well-adjusted at school, but become exhausted or upset at home. While masking can help them fit in, it often leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Autism in Daily Life

Autism can affect many areas of everyday life:

• At school: difficulties following group instructions, participating in unstructured play, or coping with noisy classrooms.

• At home: reliance on routines, selective eating due to sensory sensitivities, and emotional outbursts after stressful days.

• In friendships: misunderstandings due to difficulty reading social cues, leading to feelings of exclusion or loneliness.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

When autism is recognised early, children can access support that helps them thrive. Without diagnosis, children may struggle in silence, leading to frustration, academic challenges, and mental health difficulties. Early interventions can improve social communication, reduce stress, and build confidence.

Autism Assessments in the UK

In the UK, autism assessments follow NICE guidelines and usually involve:

• Developmental history: reviewing the child’s early milestones.

• Parental interviews: understanding how the child behaves across settings.

• Observations and tests: assessing social interaction, play, and communication.

Families can start by speaking to their GP or their child’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) at school. Assessments are available through the NHS, though waiting times can be long. Private assessments are also an option.

Mental Health and Autism

Without understanding and support, children with autism may experience:

• Anxiety in social or academic settings.

• Low self-esteem from feeling “different.”

• Risk of school refusal or withdrawal from friendships.

Providing the right environment and recognising the child’s needs early can reduce these risks and improve wellbeing.

Supporting a Child With Autism

Parents and teachers can support children with autism in many ways:

• Use visual schedules and structured routines.

• Provide calm spaces when sensory input becomes overwhelming.

• Work with professionals (speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists).

• Focus on strengths and interests to build confidence.

• Offer positive reinforcement instead of punishment.

Summary

Autism in children can present in many different ways, from challenges in communication and social interaction to sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviours. Recognising these signs early and seeking an assessment can help children receive the understanding, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.