Autism in Kids Symptoms: What to Look For

What is ASD in kids?

ASD stands for autism spectrum disorder, the clinical term for autism, and the spectrum means each child has a different mix of strengths and support needs.

• Communication: some children speak early, some speak later, and some use gestures, pictures or devices to communicate.
• Social connection: some autistic kids want friends but find unwritten social rules hard to read or follow.
• Interests: some children have deep, focused interests that they enjoy sharing.
• Sensory experience: sounds, textures, lights and smells can feel more intense or less noticeable than they do for other people.
• Routines: some children find predictable routines helpful and unexpected change hard.

Many autistic adults prefer identity-first language such as “autistic child”, and some families prefer “child on the autism spectrum”. Ask your child what they prefer as they grow.

Autism symptoms in kids by age

A child showing one or two of these signs does not mean they are autistic. Only an assessment can tell you.

Our guides on autism in girls and autism in teenagers explain how signs can look different for these groups.

Shy child vs autism: how can you tell the difference?

Shyness and autism are different things, and you cannot tell them apart from a checklist. Only an assessment by a qualified professional can tell you whether your child is autistic.

• Notice whether what you see happens only with new people and places, or also with familiar people and at home.
• For toddlers, note whether your child responds to their name, uses gestures such as waving, or uses eye contact to share interest.
• Note any differences in play, routines or reactions to sounds, textures and lights.
• Write down specific examples with dates and take them to your GP.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

How do I know if my child has autism?

You cannot tell from a checklist, but you can prepare well for an assessment and take the first step with your GP.

1. 1Write down what you see. Note examples from home, childcare and school, including what helps and what makes things harder.
2. 2Book a GP appointment. Bring your notes, and ask for a referral to a paediatrician or other qualified specialist.
3. 3Ask the teacher or educator for input. Their observations of your child with other children can add useful detail.
4. 4Attend the assessment. Specialists usually talk with you, observe your child and use structured tools, as the Autism CRC guidance for parents explains.
5. 5Ask for a written report. Keep it, since it is useful for schools and NDIS access requests.

A short online quiz can help you reflect, such as our guide to an autism test for kids, but only a qualified professional can assess this.

Helping children with autism: support at home and school

Supports focus on what your child needs to take part, learn and feel safe, and do not try to change who they are.

• Some families use visual schedules and clear, short instructions so their child knows what comes next.
• Talk with your child’s GP or specialists about which therapies, if any, suit your child’s needs.
• If you are looking for a tutor for a child with autism, ask how they would work with your child’s interests, sensory needs and communication style.
• Talk with your child’s school about adjustments, such as a quiet space, movement breaks or a communication plan.
• Connect with other families and Autism Connect on 1300 308 699, a free national helpline run by Amaze and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Amaze).

How to help a child with autism calm down

Every child is different, so the ideas below are things some families try to help their child feel safe. Your child’s GP or therapist can help you find what suits your child.

• Stay calm, lower your voice and use few words.
• Reduce noise, light and crowding by moving to a quieter space if you can.
• Offer a favourite comfort item, headphones or a calm-down corner that your child already knows.
• Wait until your child is settled before talking about what happened.
• Keep a note of triggers and patterns, and share them with your GP or therapist.

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.

Activities and exercises for kids with autism

Activities that follow your child’s interests are a good place to start. Check with your child’s GP or therapist if you are unsure what suits them.

• Swimming, trampolining or bike riding, with supervision suited to your child.
• Obstacle courses and sensory play at home or in the park.
• Music, drawing and building games that connect with what your child enjoys.
• Short, structured group activities, such as community playgroups, if your child enjoys being with others.
• Check the Raising Children Network’s autism resources for kids for more ideas and parent guides.

Autism, ADHD and other things that can occur together

Some children are autistic and have other conditions as well, so raise all of your concerns with your GP or specialist.

• The Australian ADHD Guideline found children and adolescents with autism have a significantly higher risk of ADHD (AADPA).
• Our guide to ADHD symptoms in kids explains what to look for.
• If you have concerns about anxiety, sleep or sensory sensitivities, mention them too.
• Ask your specialist to consider all concerns in the same assessment where possible.

Autism funding and NDIS support for children

NDIS funding is conditional, so it depends on whether your child meets the NDIS access requirements.

• Ask your child’s specialist for a report that describes how your child’s disability affects daily life.
• If your child meets the access requirements, the NDIS may fund supports that help with daily activities and community participation.
• Read our guide to autism and the NDIS for how access and planning work.
• Bring therapy reports, school letters and your notes to any planning meeting.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

You do not need to wait for certainty before asking questions.

• Your toddler does not respond to their name, use gestures such as waving or use eye contact to share interest, or only does so sometimes.
• Your child loses words or skills they previously had.
• Everyday routines, meals, sleep or noise cause frequent distress that affects the whole family.
• A teacher, educator or health professional raises concerns about communication or social connection.
• You feel worn out or overwhelmed as a carer, in which case talk to your GP, and call Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you need to speak to someone straight away.

Call 000 in an emergency. You can also call Autism Connect for free advice and referrals.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If your child is autistic and you need practical help at home or in the community, we can talk through options. TQN Care’s NDIS services include support workers who help with routines, personal care, community access and respite across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Make a referral and we will call you back to discuss what would make the biggest difference for your family.