What do parents tend to notice first? Autism in the early years

The short answer

Possible early signs of autism concern a pattern across communication, shared attention, play, repetition, response to change and sensory experience. A young child might use gestures differently, respond to their name inconsistently, repeat movements or play, develop language in an unusual pattern, or become intensely distressed by particular sounds, textures or changes. Many individual signs also occur in children who are not autistic, and some autistic children show them subtly or later. Record concrete examples, check hearing and wider development, and discuss concerns with a health visitor, GP, nursery SENCO or other appropriate professional.

• Look for a developmental pattern rather than one sign.
• Early communication includes gesture, gaze, movement, sound and shared attention, not speech alone.
• Repetition, sensory responses and reaction to change matter alongside social communication.
• A child can be affectionate, smile, use eye contact or pretend and still be autistic.
• Support for communication and access can begin before assessment.