Worried Your Child Might Be Autistic? Your First Steps

Before any appointment, jot down what's worrying you. You don't need perfect notes — bullet points are ideal. Try to include:

• What you've noticed (for example: "doesn't respond to name," "very upset by changes")
• Roughly when it started or when you first noticed
• A couple of real, specific examples
• What your child can do well, too

If you can, film a short phone video of what you're describing. Professionals find real footage far more useful than words alone, especially as children often behave differently in a clinic. Read more about the signs of autism to help you describe what you're seeing.

Who you speak to depends on where you live, but good first points of contact include:

• Your GP or family doctor
• Your health visitor or community child-health nurse (for younger children)
• Your child's paediatrician
• Your child's nursery, preschool or school SENCO / special-education staff, who can share what they see and support a referral

It also helps to get your child's hearing tested, because hearing difficulties can affect speech and responses and are easy to miss.

You can ask directly: "I'm worried my child may be autistic — can they be referred for an autism assessment?" You're allowed to ask, and you don't need to be certain.

An autism assessment is usually done by a team (which may include a paediatrician, psychologist, and speech and language therapist). They gather information from you, from your child's nursery or school, and from observing and working with your child. There's no single blood test for autism — diagnosis is based on development, behaviour and history.

Ask what the local pathway is, roughly how long the wait might be, and whether there's anything you can do in the meantime (some areas offer parent workshops or early support before a formal diagnosis).

Waiting lists for assessment can be long — sometimes many months or longer. That's frustrating, but the wait doesn't have to be wasted time. While you wait, you can:

• Start visual supports and a predictable routine at home
• Build simple picture communication cards for key needs
• Learn what helps with meltdowns and sensory overload
• Keep your notes and videos updated for the assessment
• Tell nursery or school about your concerns so they can support your child now

A diagnosis can unlock certain services, but you do not need a diagnosis to start helping your child. Good support is good support, with or without a label.

If your child is diagnosed as autistic, it doesn't change who they are — it gives you a clearer map. A diagnosis can help with understanding your child, accessing support at school, and connecting with other families.

If your child isn't diagnosed but you still have concerns, you can ask about a review, a second opinion, or assessment for other needs (such as speech and language or sensory needs). Trust your instincts.