It’s estimated that one in 100 children in the UK is autistic – yet diagnosis for can often be lengthy and complicated.
Swansea University research found it takes, on average, six years longer to diagnose autism in girls than boys.
The study, which involved 400 people, found three-quarters (75%) of boys received a diagnosis before the age of 10 compared to half (50%) of girls.
While the average age of diagnosis was between four and six for boys, in girls it was between 10 and 12 years old, the BBC reported.
Early diagnosis is key to being able to support a child’s development and wellbeing – and as part of this, parents can be aware of the signs to look out for in children so they can begin to seek diagnosis.
While every child is unique, there are common indicators parents can be mindful of, ranging from physical patterns like differences in eye contact and speech, to cognitive preferences like routines and special interests.
Here, Dr Bijal Chheda, consultant psychologist and founder of Nos Curare, a private clinic specialising in neurodiverse care, has shared seven early signs of autism for parents to know.
1. Limited eye contact
“One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of autism in young children is inconsistent eye contact,” the psychologist told HuffPost UK.
You might notice your child avoids directly looking at others’ faces – including yours. They might sometimes glance briefly during interactions, but with minimal reactions.
The expert stressed this “shouldn’t be taken as rudeness or lack of affection”.
“This habit reflects how children with autism tend to process social cues, finding it difficult or even draining to participate in everyday conversations,” she said.
“By limiting eye contact, they allow themselves to focus on processing their surroundings in a way that feels less intimidating and more manageable.”
If you’ve noticed this in your child, it might help to provide them with gentle encouragement and low-pressure one-on-one sessions to help them become more comfortable with social engagement.
2. Delayed speech development
Language delays are common early indicators of autism, said Dr Chheda.
“Some children may not start saying their first recognisable words until around 12-18 months, which is much later than the typical developmental range,” she noted.
“Meanwhile, others may have a limited vocabulary or struggle with forming sentences well into adolescence.”
The expert noted delays can occur because children with autism “often process language in a more analytical way, making it harder for them to grasp context”.
As a result, they may find it harder to imitate sounds or follow basic conversational patterns, she suggested.
“However, autistic children are highly perceptive, and these delays usually coexist with strong non-verbal skills, such as pointing or using sounds to express their needs,” she said.
3. Repetitive movements
Some children might display patterned behaviours such as spinning, rocking, or looping the same phrases – these are signs of autism known as ‘stimming’.
“These rhythmic movements and sounds often serve as self-soothing mechanisms that regulate emotions and process stimuli,” said the psychologist.
″‘Stimming’ provides autistic children with predictable stimulation, reducing anxiety or helping the child cope with overwhelming situations.
“While sporadic repetition is normal in most children, as this can be a way to practice new skills or explore their immediate surroundings, intense patterns may indicate a cognitive difference,” she said.
As interrupting these habits may lead to instant emotional outbursts or sudden aggression, her advice is to provide safe spaces for stimming, “where children can soothe themselves and redirect their focus, without discouraging the behaviour entirely”.
4. Lack of social engagement
Children on the autism spectrum may avoid group play, not respond to their name, or show minimal interest in forming meaningful connections with others, said the expert.
“While not intentional, sensory sensitivities like taking part in small talk may disrupt their preference for predictability,” she said.
“This may trigger the practice of ‘masking’ wherein they suppress autistic traits (like stimming, limited eye contact, or repetitive speech) and mimic neurotypical behaviours to fit in.”
Children can find it really hard to socialise – and being forced to do so can trigger anxiety in some – so Dr Chheda advises starting by encouraging small interactions in familiar settings while respecting their need for breaks and letting them express themselves naturally, so they don’t feel the need to mask.
5. Sensitivity to sound or touch
Perhaps one of the more well-known signs of autism is a heightened sensitivity to stimuli. “These responses are linked to how their nervous system interprets body signals, including physical or emotional reactions to certain noises, lighting, or textures,” said Dr Chheda.
“For example, some children with hypersensitivity may cover their ears in response to common sounds like tapping, vacuum cleaners, or clinking utensils.
“On the other hand, hyposensitive or under-responsive children may not feel certain sensations as strongly, usually seeking more intense sensory input by tapping surfaces or holding tightly onto objects like their favourite stuffed animals.”
If you notice this in your child, you can help them by creating calm environments that offer sensory breaks, with easy access to safe items that satisfy your child’s needs.
“When they are ready, gradually introduce new sensations at a comfortable pace with the guidance of a qualified professional,” added the expert.
6. Resistance to change
Plenty of us are creatures of habit and don’t particularly love change, but a strong preference for predictability is common among children with autism. You might notice that sudden shifts in daily schedules, including meals and bedtimes, can trigger distress and even lead to meltdowns.
“When children with autism experience frequent disruptions to their routines, it can contribute to feelings of unease, leading to demotivation and low mood,” said the psychologist.
Her advice is: instead of demanding immediate changes, introduce small adjustments gradually and provide visual schedules to help children adapt.
“Accommodating their need for structure, such as giving advanced notice of upcoming changes, can help children prepare and feel more secure, making transitions easier,” she added.
7. Special interests
“Children with autism often develop deep interests in specific topics or activities called ‘hyperfixations’,” added Chheda. “These hobbies may seem unusual in intensity or subject matter compared to their peers, leading to challenges in group or classroom settings.”
The psychologist pointed out that many parents worry that this extreme interest in a specific area could limit social development.
But “we must highlight that these special interests can actually act as leverage for learning, skill-building, and connecting with others who share similar passions,” she said.
Her advice is to encourage exploration of these niche interests in safe and structured ways. “You can enroll them in inclusive special needs programs or incorporate these fixations into educational activities, using them as a bridge to develop any delays in communication and problem-solving skills,” she added.
