I Think My Child Has Autism: Early Signs, Symptoms, and Support for Parents
Updated: 2 days ago
First, take a breath: you are not alone. Picture this...
The alarm hasn't even finished buzzing before your little one is already telling you the tag in their shirt is "too scratchy". Breakfast is the wrong cereal, the blue bowl has somehow become unacceptable overnight, and socks? Absolutely not those socks.
By 8:15am, you've negotiated with a tiny but incredibly determined human, located the one drink bottle they'll accept, and somehow convinced them that yes, shoes are still a requirement for leaving the house.
You just arrive at work and then your phone rings…
"Hi, it's the school..."
Again? Your stomach drops.
Today's update? There was a meltdown when the classroom routine changed. A teacher was scratched while trying to help. You are required to collect them and the office admin gave you that look—the one that silently says, "Why can't they just behave?"
You smile politely, but inside you're wondering if everyone thinks you're just raising a "naughty" child.
By bedtime, you're replaying every moment of the day. Did I miss something? Am I doing enough? Is this my fault?
Then, just as you're about to turn off the light, your child presents you with a handful of leaves they have carefully curated just for you, which is their unique and adorable way of saying “Love you."
And suddenly you remember—they're not trying to give you a hard time.
They're simply communicating as they often can’t find the right words when things get tricky.
If this story feels a little too familiar, you're not alone. Many parents and caregivers first begin wondering about autism after days just like these. The good news is that understanding what's behind your child's behaviour is the first step towards finding the right support—for both of you.
If you have been searching for answers or causes, many parents feel the same concerns. According to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Autism is not caused by parenting, vaccines, diet or lifestyle factors. And seeking support is not about blaming anyone. It is about understanding your child more clearly.
The fact that you are asking questions is a great proactive sign! It usually means you are paying attention.
Every child develops differently, so it's natural to wonder whether your child is simply developing at their own pace or whether something more may be going on.
If you've found yourself searching "I think my child has symptoms of autism", you're not alone.
Many parents first notice small differences before they know what they mean.
The good news is that early support can make a significant difference, and you don't have to wait for a diagnosis before seeking help.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not an illness to be cured.
Autism is part of neurodiversity, which recognises that human brains are not all wired the same way. Autistic people may experience the world with deep focus, strong pattern recognition, honesty, creativity, attention to detail, loyalty, passion for justice, and powerful interests. These strengths do not cancel out support needs, and support needs do not cancel out strengths.
Children with Autism can be creative, honest, deeply observant, passionate, funny, loyal and wonderfully original. Some have strong visual memory, love patterns, notice details others miss, or show deep focus in areas they care about.
Support is not about changing who your child is. It is about understanding their needs, reducing distress, building skills, and helping them feel safe, connected and confident.
Why is it called a spectrum?
The Autism Spectrum doesn't mean "more" or "less" autistic.
Instead, people experience autism differently.
For example:
One child may:
speak early
love reading
struggle socially
Another child may:
have little speech
need daily support
have significant sensory needs
Both are autistic. Just different.
Early signs and symptoms of Autism in toddlers
Before we go any further it’s worth noting if your child displays early symptoms or some of the below signs does not automatically mean your child is autistic. Children develop at different rates, and many things can affect communication, play, behaviour, sleep, eating and emotional regulation.
Some children may have other developmental, learning or communication differences that can share similar characteristics. For example, children with ADHD may struggle with attention, emotional regulation or sensory sensitivities. Children with speech and language difficulties may find it hard to communicate their needs or participate in conversations. Children with learning differences such as dyslexia may experience challenges at school that affect their confidence, behaviour or emotional wellbeing. Anxiety, trauma, hearing difficulties, sensory processing differences, sleep challenges and other developmental conditions can also influence how a child interacts with the world around them.
What matters most is the pattern, frequency, intensity and impact on daily life. If you are noticing ongoing differences, if your child is distressed, or if these challenges are affecting home, daycare, school or friendships, it is a good idea to seek professional advice. A thorough assessment can help identify your child's unique strengths, needs and the most appropriate supports, regardless of the reason behind those differences.
Possible early signs and symptoms of Autism:
Differences in eye contact or using eye contact less often to communicate
Doesn't respond consistently to their name
Delayed speech
Doesn't point to share interest
Often plays alone or finds group play overwhelming
Repetitive movements
Lines up toys or crayons
Strong reactions to sounds or textures
Differences in imaginative or pretend play
Unusual attachment to routines
Signs and symptoms in preschool and school-aged children
Difficulty making friends
May find unwritten social rules or queues confusing.
Literal thinking
Anxiety around change
Sensory sensitivities
Intense special interests
Emotional regulation challenges
Difficulty transitioning between activities
Repetitive behaviours, communication, distress or unmet need
Feels safer with predictable routines
Many girls and gender-diverse children may camouflage or copy others socially. They may appear to “cope” at school but come home exhausted or dysregulated. This is often reffered to as "masking".
What should I do if I think my child has autism?
If you think your child may be autistic or have a developmental delay, start by writing down what you notice, including communication, play, sensory responses, routines, meltdowns, sleep and eating. Talk with your GP, child health nurse, paediatrician or your child’s educator. You do not need to wait for a diagnosis to seek support.
When should I seek professional advice?
Trust your instincts - Parents know their child best.
Talk to Your GP, paediatrician, health nurse or your child’s educator to gauge what they have experienced.
Ask about:
developmental concerns
impacts to daily life
impacts on others
fears and anxieties
Write down what you notice and the frequency or intensity when it occurs.
For example you may want to seek advice if your child:
Rarely responds to their name, even when hearing has been checked
Consistently struggles to express wants, needs or emotions
Prefers organising, sorting or lining up toys repeatedly
Frequently becoming very distressed if someone changes how a game is played or other minor changes to routine
Finds back-and-forth conversations difficult
Takes language very literally and often misunderstands jokes or figures of speech
Wanting to engage with the same topic, toy or activity repeatedly
You might find yourself saying "But all children do those things."
You’re right. Most children do.
The question isn't usually whether the behaviour exists.
The questions are:
How often does it occur?
How intense is it?
How long has it been happening?
Is it happening across multiple settings?
Is it affecting your child's wellbeing, participation, learning or relationships?
Does your gut keep telling you something feels different?
If the answer to several of these questions is "yes", it's worth having a conversation with a trusted health professional. Seeking advice isn't about putting a label on your child. It's about understanding them more deeply and ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
Take Videos
Short clips can help professionals understand what you're seeing.
Ask for an Assessment
Autism commonly occurs alongside other differences or conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulties, intellectual disability, sleep challenges or sensory processing differences. Every child is unique, and an assessment aims to understand the whole child rather than focusing on a single diagnosis."
Depending on your child's needs, you may be referred to:
Paediatrician
Psychologist
Speech Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Other Specialists or Allied Health Professionals
Depending on your concerns, a clinician may recommend different types of assessments. Sometimes this might be a baseline functional assessment, which looks at how your child is managing everyday activities, communication, emotional regulation, learning, relationships and independence. In other cases, a clinician may use tools such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to better understand your child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour and social development. If autism is being considered, a more comprehensive autism assessment may be recommended to explore your child's communication style, social interactions, sensory experiences, strengths and support needs.
Assessments typically involve a combination of conversations with parents and carers, questionnaires, observations, and evidence-based assessment tools. You may be asked about your child's developmental history, daily routines, friendships, play, communication, learning and behaviour across different environments such as home, daycare or school. In many cases, input from teachers or educators can provide valuable insight as well.
The aim is not to "pass" or "fail" an assessment, nor is it simply about finding a diagnosis. Rather, it is about building a clearer understanding of your child's unique strengths, challenges and needs so that the right supports and strategies can be put in place to help them thrive.
Join Waiting Lists Early
Get started early - waitlists can be several months.
Can my child receive support before a diagnosis?
Many parents believe they need a formal diagnosis before seeking help, but that's often not the case. If you have concerns about your child's development, support can begin now. Early childhood is a particularly important time for building communication skills, emotional regulation, confidence and everyday coping strategies.
Depending on your child's needs, a range of supports may be available before a diagnosis is made.
Occupational Therapy
Play Therapy
Art or Expressive Therapy
Parent coaching
Speech Pathology
Accessing help early often results in gaining a better understanding of your child, reducing stress for the whole family, and putting helpful supports in place while you continue to explore what may be contributing to their challenges.
What funding can I use?
Please get in touch with our administration team if you have questions about funding options (including NDIS plans), so that we can give you a clear picture for your situation.
What can parents do at home?
A helpful first question is not “How do I stop this behaviour?” but “What might my child be trying to communicate, and what support do they need in this moment?
Children do not always have the language to explain what is happening inside. They may not be able to say, “The room is too loud”, “I’m scared I’ll get it wrong”, or “I don’t know how to join in.” Play, art, movement and sensory preferences can give parents and carers and professionals clues about a child’s inner world and help children express what words cannot yet hold.
Notice patterns without judgement
Keep a simple notes page: What happened before? What helped? What made it harder?
Create a calm corner
A quiet space with soft items, books, drawing materials, fidgets or headphones.
Use visuals
First/then boards, picture routines, simple calendars or “what’s happening today” lists.
Offer choices
“Blue shirt or green shirt?” gives control without overwhelm.
Build transition bridges
Use countdowns, songs, visual timers or a preferred object to move between activities.
Name feelings and body clues
“Your hands are over your ears. I wonder if it’s too loud.”
Use play to connect
Follow your child’s lead for 10 minutes without correcting, questioning or directing.
Use drawing or stories
Invite them to draw “what school felt like today” or make a story about a character who finds mornings tricky.
Protect recovery time
After daycare/school, reduce demands where possible.
Celebrate strengthsNotice persistence, creativity, kindness, humour, curiosity and effort.
How Well Life supports children and families in Toowoomba
At Well Life, we understand that every child develops differently, and we know that seeking answers about your child's development can feel overwhelming.
Our team supports children, young people and families through psychology and therapeutic services designed to build understanding, confidence and connection.
Depending on your child's individual needs, support may include:
Understanding your child's emotions, behaviours and communication style
Supporting emotional regulation and coping strategies
Building confidence and self-esteem
Developing social skills and relationships
Supporting children through change, transitions and challenges
Helping parents better understand and respond to their child's needs
Working collaboratively with families, schools and other professionals
Some children benefit from a team approach involving a range of professionals, such as paediatricians, occupational therapists (OT) and speech pathologists. Where additional supports may be helpful, we can work alongside families and their broader support network to help coordinate the right pathway.
Meet our team
Click a practitioners name to view more info.
Amaya Chandrasiri - Registered Psychologist – offering neuroaffirming psychology support. Amaya works collaboratively with her clients to develop practical strategies that enhance long-term wellbeing and resilience at their own pace. Including a range of assessments.
Anisia Glover - Occupational Therapist - can help children with sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor skills and daily routines.
Abby Dunlop - Occupational Therapist – Works with adolescents and adults, supporting them to engage more confidently in their daily lives.
Brooke Goltz – Counsellor and Play Therapist – Uses verbal and non-verbal expression, supporting sensory needs, and teaching emotional regulation
Evelyn Grant - Art and Expressive Counsellor - Uses verbal and non-verbal expression, sensory-based self-regulation, and strength-based emotional processing.
What happens next?
If you're worried about your child's development, you don't have to navigate it alone.
Well Life supports children, young people and families through warm, practical and neuroaffirming allied health services in Toowoomba and surrounding areas.
Whether you are looking for an assessment, therapy, support while you wait, or simply a conversation about what might help next, our team can help you find a pathway forward.
Contact Well Life today to talk through your concerns or make a referral.
Author:
Amaya Chandrasiri - Registered Psychologist
Based in Toowoomba, Amaya is a registered psychologist supporting children, adolescents and adults. Amaya has a strong interest in working alongside neurodivergent individuals, including those with Autism and ADHD, providing neuroaffirming support that respects each person's strengths and lived experience.
Comments