Dr. Murali Gopal
Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
This page cannot diagnose autism.
It explains signs parents may notice and encourages developmental assessment when concerns are present.
What parents should know
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can affect social communication, play, flexibility, sensory experiences, and behaviour. Children are individuals, and signs can look different from child to child.
A diagnosis should never be made from a web page or a single checklist. If parents are worried, the next step is to speak to the child's doctor and seek developmental assessment.
Signs parents may notice
- Less back-and-forth social communication, shared attention, gestures, or response to name than expected.
- Language delay, unusual use of words, or difficulty using communication socially.
- Play that seems repetitive, very restricted, or less pretend-based than expected for the child.
- Sensory differences such as strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, smells, or touch.
- Strong need for sameness, intense interests, repetitive movements, or distress with transitions.
What else can look similar?
- Hearing problems, language delay, global developmental delay, anxiety, trauma, vision problems, sleep problems, and other developmental or medical concerns may overlap. Assessment helps clarify what support is needed.
Practical parent steps
Do not wait in silence if you are concerned.
Early support can help communication, play, family routines, and learning.
- Write down specific examples of communication, play, sensory, sleep, feeding, and behaviour concerns.
- Arrange hearing and vision checks if advised.
- Speak to your child's doctor about developmental assessment and early support.
- Use warm, responsive play, simple language, predictable routines, and communication opportunities.
- Share concerns with preschool or school so support can be coordinated.
Red flags / when to seek medical review
Seek prompt medical or developmental review if concerning signs are present:
- Loss of language, social, play, or other previously acquired skills.
- No response to sound or name, major communication concerns, or poor social interaction.
- Self-injury, severe distress, feeding or sleep problems, seizures, developmental regression, or family safety concerns.
Important facts for parents
- Autism is not caused by poor parenting.
- Support can begin while assessment is being arranged.
- This guide does not include scoring tools, formal assessment rules, or a treatment protocol.
Medical disclaimer
General education only This guide does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, developmental assessment, autism assessment, hearing or vision assessment, school assessment, or individualized treatment by a qualified professional. Seek urgent help if immediate safety concerns are present. Final clinical use requires clinician review.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism spectrum disorder and developmental resources.
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org. Autism spectrum disorder parent guidance.
- NICE. Autism spectrum disorder recognition and referral guidance.
- NHS. Autism guidance for parents and carers.
- Raising Children Network. Autism parent resources.
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). Developmental and child health guidance.
Last reviewed: 22 May 2026. Status: published, pending clinician review.
Medical review and references
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