Every child develops in their own unique way. However, as a parent, you may notice differences in your child’s sensory preferences or the way they communicate, play or interact. These differences may indicate autism but not always. Either way, they can be something to explore to help you understand your child better.

Signs of autism often emerge at points of transition. In this blog, we’ll look at the key points of transition and explore why they can be particularly challenging for autistic children. We’ll also look at what to do if you have questions you would like answered.

Signs of autism during early developmental checks

Parents often start to notice some differences in their child during early developmental checks with their child’s GP or public health nurse (PHN). The GP or PHN may also identify differences or flag potential signs of autism. However, especially at the youngest ages, the signs can be very subtle and they will vary from child to child. It may only be later on that signs become apparent.

Signs of autism when starting pre-school

Pre-school is often the first time children are separated from their parents for any length of time. The pre-school environment will be very different to the home environment too – there will be different sounds and different smells. There is also the expectation that children will interact with their peers.

Autistic children may find this new environment and the new expectations overwhelming.

Signs of autism when starting primary school

The move from pre-school to primary school is another big change for a child. Their days will be more structured, and they will be expected to sit at a desk and follow instructions. There will be less opportunity for them to follow their own preferences and routines. They’ll be expected to join in with group activities and participate in things they’re less interested in.

For some autistic children, the new environment and additional expectations may be difficult to navigate.

Signs of autism when starting secondary school

At secondary school, social rules tend to become more complex. In addition, the start of secondary school tends to coincide with adolescence, which is always a tricky time for all children.

• Children are asked to take on more responsibility for their own schedule, both at home and at school.
• The school day involves regularly moving from classroom to classroom and from teacher to teacher. This is a big change from the single classroom environment of primary school.
• As children get older, they are expected to leave their childhood hobbies and interests behind.

Autistic children may find all this change and the new expectations challenging to manage.

When to consider an autism assessment

Autism is a spectrum. While many autistic people share these traits, every child’s experience is unique.

To understand if you are seeing signs of autism in your child, it can be helpful to think about the quality of the behaviour.  For example, all young children like to line toys up and then knock them down. They may do this two or three times, then move on to play with something else. For autistic children, the lining up and knocking down may happen multiple times and be the focus of their play.

It can also help to think about how long a behaviour has been going on. We typically expect there to be some evidence of autism before the age of five, but these signs may only be apparent in hindsight. Typically, if you’ve noticed something going on for three months or more, it’s something to investigate further.

At the same time, it is important to remember that other factors may cause behaviours to emerge. This might be major changes at home or bullying at school. Mental health may be a factor. If behaviours have only started to emerge later in life, ADHD may also be something to consider because this tends to emerge a little later than autism.

Think too about the impact your child’s behaviours have on your day-to-day life. For example, do you keep to a certain routine because you know your child struggles to adapt to change? Or avoid certain places or situations because you know your child will find them distressing? If your child becomes overwhelmed or upset by something routine such as brushing their teeth or trying a new food, will it take them a long time to process their emotions and feel calm again?

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. If you have concerns about how your child is coping with the world around them, a diagnosis of autism is something to consider.

In Ireland, you can ask for an autism assessment for your child. This can be an HSE autism assessment [ through the Assessment of Need process] or it may bea private assessment for autism.

Autism assessments at Constellation Healthcare

Constellation Healthcare offers a pathway of support that puts children and families first – helping every child to thrive.

At Constellation Healthcare, from our clinic in Dublin, every autism assessment is tailored to your child – their comfort, needs and communication style. The aim is to ensure we build the fullest picture of who they are and what they need to thrive. You can find out more about what’s involved at What happens in an Autism Assessment? A guide for parents in Ireland. Following the assessment, you will receive a clear, comprehensive HSE‑recognised report.

Whether an autism diagnosis is clinically indicated or not, our report will give you clear, tailored recommendations for follow‑up supports that will help you and your child. (You can find out more at Understanding your Child’s Autism Assessment report, and what happens next.)

The assessment will help you understand your child better, give you clarity and enable you to support them with greater confidence.

To hear our Principal Psychologist Dr Eóin Rickard discuss the signs of autism in children and teens in more detail, watch our webinar Recognising Early Signs of Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Next Steps