Understanding the signs of autism: a comprehensive guide
Explore the signs of autism and how to get support.
In the UK, it’s estimated that just over 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, amounting to more than 700,000 people across the nation (source). When you factor in their families, this means that autism touches the lives of millions of people every day.
Knowing how to spot the signs of autism can help people to reach out to a specialist, get a diagnosis and access any additional support they need, making a positive difference to their lives.
Understanding the signs and characteristics of autism is important for early recognition and support. These signs can vary widely across different stages of an autistic person’s life, from infancy through to adulthood.
Learn more about specific symptoms girls and boys can experience:
The signs of autism can vary significantly, not only from one person to another, but also within the same person over the course of their life. This variability is influenced by a number of factors:
Recognising the variability in autism characteristics helps us to provide personalised care and support. Every autistic person needs a tailored approach to support, based on their specific needs and strengths. However, the diverse presentation of autism can also lead to challenges in making accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans. By recognising and embracing the variability of autism, we can better support people on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential.
If you think that you or someone you know might be showing the signs of autism, it’s important to take proactive steps so you can understand and address the situation effectively.
You could start by taking an online autism test. This initial self-assessment tool can be a useful first step, helping to provide some insights into the potential signs of autism, and enabling you to gauge how likely it is that you’re on the autism spectrum.
If this initial screening tool suggests that you might be showing some of the key traits of autism, it’s important to consider reaching out for a private autism assessment for a more detailed evaluation. Our experts are here to guide you through the diagnosis process. We have a wealth of experience in autism assessments and diagnoses, and can provide you with personalised support and advice. We use reliable and validated autism assessment tools, and can offer access to ongoing support following your diagnosis, if this is something you’d benefit from.
For more information on Priory’s autism services, please visit our autism support page.
We offer a free online screening test for autism, known as the AQ-10. The AQ-10 is a quick questionnaire that you can complete on behalf of yourself or a child/young person. It’s a simple screening tool that indicates whether you/your child might benefit from receiving a full diagnostic assessment for autism.
This can be a useful step if you’re not sure whether you/your child might be showing autistic traits, or if you just want some confirmation of the traits you’ve observed. The test is quick to complete and you’ll get your results immediately.
The AQ-10 has three versions. You can click on the relevant link below to take the test for yourself or your child:
We are able to offer fast access private autism assessments and diagnosis to those who are showing signs of autism.
Discover some commonly asked questions about autism and it's characteristics.
As autistic people get older, some of the signs of autism can change. This may be down to:
While some autistic people can thrive independently, others may need ongoing support to help them to navigate daily life.
It’s possible for adults to show new signs of autism, especially if they’re experiencing change, stress, burnout or co-occurring mental health challenges. New symptoms might include:
Common misconceptions about autism include:
Understanding and dispelling these misconceptions is crucial to promote acceptance, support and inclusion for autistic people.