Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates and interacts with others, as well as their interests and behaviour. The word “spectrum” means every child is different, with strengths and needs that vary from one child to another.
Two core areas
Recognised diagnostic manuals describe autism through two core areas:
- Social communication and interaction: for example difficulty sharing attention with others, using pointing or eye gaze less to share interest, or finding back-and-forth conversation and play with peers hard.
- Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests: such as repeated movements or speech, a strong need for sameness, narrow and intense interests, and unusual responses to sounds, textures or lights.
How might these traits show up day to day?
Parents may notice that their child rarely turns when called, does not point to show them something interesting, prefers to play in repetitive ways such as lining up toys, or becomes very upset when a routine changes. On their own these observations do not mean a child is autistic, but they are signs worth following up.
Every child has strengths; the purpose of understanding is to know how to support them, not to put them in a box.
Who makes the diagnosis?
A diagnosis is made by qualified professionals after a comprehensive assessment based on observation, interviews and standardised tools. The parents’ role is to notice early and ask for advice — the earlier we understand a child’s needs, the better we can support them.
