What are signs of autism in primary school?

A guide for parents & carers:

There are traits you might notice in your child that could suggest they are autistic. Below is a list of common communication and behaviour signs to look out for.

Communication

Spoken language

Your child’s way of speaking might seem unusual or different from other children their age. For example, they might:

Speak less and only use words to ask for things they need.
Use a flat or singsong tone when they talk.
Repeat words or phrases they’ve heard before (this is called echolalia).
Talk about their favourite topics a lot but not have two-way conversations.
Struggle with the “rules” of talking, like taking turns or letting others speak.
Say things that might seem rude or inappropriate without meaning to.

Responding to others

Your child might:

Show little reaction to other people’s facial expressions or feelings.
Take a long time to respond when you call their name, even if their hearing is fine.
Find it hard to understand what others mean, especially if they use jokes, sarcasm, or metaphors.
Strongly resist being told what to do or struggle with requests.

Interacting with others

Your child might:

Stand too close to people or dislike it when others are close to them.
Seem less interested in making friends or playing with other children.
Avoid others or approach them in ways that seem pushy or unusual.
Not use greetings like “hello” or “goodbye.”
Prefer playing alone rather than joining in with others.
Talk in a way that seems too formal or too casual for the situation.
Have trouble coping with activities that most children enjoy.
Trust others too easily or seem less independent than other children their age.

Behaviour

Eye contact and gestures

Your child might:

Avoid looking at people’s eyes or use fewer gestures when talking.
Struggle to follow a point or show objects to share interest.

Imagination

Your child might:

Play in a repetitive way or copy scenes they’ve seen on TV.
Say things that don’t fit the conversation.

Interests and routines

Your child might:

Repeat movements like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning.
Have very strong interests that seem unusual or focus heavily on one thing.
Expect others to follow rules during play.
Stick to their own plans and have trouble understanding what others want.
Have big emotional reactions that seem out of place.
Strongly prefer routines and struggle with changes, which can lead to meltdowns or upset feelings.
React too strongly or not at all to sounds, textures, or smells.
Be very picky about food, only eating certain textures or flavours.