A healthcare expert has unveiled the four key behaviours which may indicate that your child has autism.

In the UK alone, one in every 100 children are thought to be autistic, according to the BMA. But thousands will go undiagnosed until much later in life, or may never even find out at all.

That's why Mark Blakey, a writer for Autism Parenting Magazine, has revealed a list of clear signs that your child is neuro-divergent, while shining a light on what you can do to support them. For those who are unaware, autism is not an illness or medical condition, but a developmental difference in the brain which causes people to perhaps learn, think and act differently.

Being a spectrum, this generally varies from person to person, but often starts with verbal and non-verbal communication problems at a young age, according to Mark. He said: "Children with ASD can suddenly struggle to say words they've often used before. Alternatively, they may not know how to use certain words or phrases in a sentence.

"[Non-verbal cues] involve things like eye contact, body language, touch, and social distance. You may observe times when your child struggles to read non-verbal cues. They may be poor at making eye contact or lacking in facial expression.

"Kids are usually good at sharing their toys and using hand gestures to point to them. If your child has ASD, this will be difficult for them. They’ll also be less likely to engage in make-believe play."

Aside from this, Mark claims that autistic children may exhibit some 'restrictive behaviours' which show up in the way they carry themselves. For instance, youngsters may 'walk robotically' or clumsily, while perhaps seeking to avoid bright lights and loud noises.

Repetitive behaviours are another sign too. This could include hand flapping, spinning or running on toes, while others may rock back and forth in chairs or on the floor. Mark continued: "If your child displays tell-tale signs of autism, apply for an assessment. The sooner you do this, the quicker they'll acquire the tools they need to help them."

Other signs that your child may be autistic:

  • Difficulties communicating with other people
  • Struggling to know what other people are thinking and feeling
  • Feeling stressed or overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights
  • Feeling anxious about social events and any unfamiliar or new situations
  • Difficulties understanding information
  • Repeating the same behaviours

If you or a loved one is finding it difficult to cope with ASD, you can get support here.