Opens in a new tab

Category: Children and Families

Smiling toddler with a birthday cake and candles

Signs of autism in 4-year-olds

By the age of four, children are typically becoming more independent, socially aware and verbally confident. Most children are developing friendships, engaging in imaginative play…
Learn more
Toddler playing in a sandpit at a playground

Signs of autism in 3-year-olds

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world. While autism is present from early…
Learn more
Child's hands arranging picture cards on a visual timetable

Using visual supports with autistic preschool children: a guide for parents

Many autistic preschool children are strong visual learners. While spoken language can be fleeting and difficult to process, visual information remains available for longer, allowing…
Learn more
Two pupils working together at a desk in a classroom

Using visual supports with autistic school-aged children and teenagers: a guide for parents and schools

Visual supports are not just for young children or pupils with limited speech. Many verbally fluent autistic children, adolescents and adults continue to benefit from…
Learn more
Pupils working at their desks in a busy classroom

Education options for autistic children: finding the right environment for your child to thrive

Choosing the right educational setting for an autistic child can feel overwhelming. Parents are often faced with a wide range of options, conflicting advice, and…
Learn more
Baby crawling with a parent close by

Signs of autism in babies

Many parents wonder whether autism can be recognised during the first year of life. While autism cannot usually be diagnosed reliably in early infancy, research…
Learn more
Young boy playing football on a pitch

Signs of autism in boys: an evidence-based guide for parents

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a child communicates, relates to others and experiences the world around them. Although autism occurs in people of…
Learn more
Smiling young man talking with a clinician on a sofa

Signs of autism in men

Autism has historically been viewed through a lens that focused primarily on children, particularly boys with more obvious social, communication or behavioural differences. While autism…
Learn more
Father and son laughing together on a sofa

Signs of autism in teenage boys

Many parents first become concerned about autism when their son reaches adolescence. Although autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference present from early childhood, the teenage…
Learn more