We are often asked, ‘How early can autism be diagnosed?’. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months in some children, although it is common practice to wait until a child is 2 years old before an autism assessment is completed.
In this article, our Director and Clinical Lead, Jo Condon, explains early signs of autism, the assessment process and benefits of an autism diagnosis.
When do the signs of autism start to show?
The way in which autism impacts a child can vary from one child to another, and some children show more obvious signs of autism from an early age. Signs of autism can be seen in some children as young as 3 – 6 months old. Other children have a more subtle presentation and may not show signs of difference until much older.
What are the early signs of autism?
In babies, early indicators of autism include:
- Avoidance of eye contact
- A lack of interest in people around them
- Repetitive movements of the fingers, hands, arms and / or legs
In toddlers, typical signs of autism include:
- Delayed speech and language development
- Repetitive movements of the hands or body
- Lack of interest in peers
- Absence of imaginative play
- Not pointing or being able to follow a point
- Not responding to their name being called
- Repetitive use of toys or objects
- Being a fussy eater
- Disliking certain sounds
- Sensory seeking behaviours, such as sniffing, licking or chewing
What do I do if I think my child is showing signs of autism?
If you think that your child is showing signs of autism, you can speak to a health professional such as your health visitor or your GP. You might find it helpful to make a list of your concerns beforehand.
If your child is in nursery, you can discuss your concerns with nursery staff.
Your health visitor or GP should listen to your concerns and observe your child; they may complete an autism screening tool, such as the M-CHAT. If signs of autism are present, they should refer your child to your local neurodevelopmental assessment service.
Sometimes, health professionals are not keen to refer young children for assessment. NHS pathways for autism assessment vary by area, and some services will not see children until they are older or will only accept referrals from schools, which can be a barrier for younger children.
Most NHS autism assessment services have significant waiting times, with waiting lists ranging from 12 to 36 months in most areas.
If you struggle to access an autism assessment via your local health team, another option is to consider a private autism assessment.
You should not need a referral from a health professional for a private assessment and your child will typically be assessed in a few weeks.
Is it wrong to label my child with autism?
Sadly, parents are often criticised for wanting to ‘label’ their child when they share that they are considering an autism assessment. An autism diagnosis is not a ‘label’, it is a way of identifying a child’s strengths, needs, and challenges both now and in the future; it helps to ensure they are able to access the correct support and understanding.
What are the benefits of an autism diagnosis?
The outcome of an autism assessment is not just a diagnosis, but a profile of the child’s needs.
The diagnosis and assessment report can help to ensure that your child’s needs are understood and will aid parents and professionals in recognising how to adapt communication, interaction and support for the child.
An autism diagnosis can also provide access to support services or local autism support groups and activities, making the application process for benefits easier. It can be used as evidence for the need for adjustments and/or support in nursery or school.
In my opinion, the greatest benefit to an autism diagnosis is that your child can grow up understanding and embracing their differences rather than trying to hide them.
When is the best time to get a child assessed for autism?
If you are seeing signs of autism, the best time to get your child assessed is now. Early identification and intervention can improve outcomes in later life, so the earlier a child’s needs are recognised, the better.
What should I do next?
- Consider whether an NHS or private assessment is the best option for you.
- If you would like to proceed with an assessment, reach out to us. We can offer screening for your child to check whether an autism assessment is needed. We will give you advice based on our professional experience and can explain the options available to you.
