Autism Resources

Many of our students have autism, and it's important to remember that it can look different from one person to another. In both children and adults, the signs of autism often align with the core characteristics, but they might not always be easy to spot.

Below, you'll find some common signs to look for in autistic children, along with helpful resources for support on the top of school provision. There are plenty of wonderful organisations and charities ready to assist you and your young person. Check out the general information and links below to learn more!

What we mean by signs

Autism presents differently in different children. There is no single way to appear or be autistic because all autistic children are unique, and for this reason, there is no definitive sign or list of signs that can tell you whether you, your child or another person is autistic. Not every autistic child will show every sign. Autism is assessed by clinicians who gather information on multiple signs that must align with the core characteristics of autism in order for a diagnosis to be made.

How do signs relate to the core characteristics of autism?

Autism is defined by ‘core characteristics’. These are described in medical literature as:

  • social communication and social interaction differences
  • restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests (RRBIs) – including potential sensory differences.

The core characteristics of autism must be present for a diagnosis to be made.

The signs that are noticed are usually consistent with the core characteristics of autism. However, it can be difficult to make this connection if you are not already familiar with autism. Stereotypes about autism can mean that it isn’t always easy to spot the signs of autism in someone who doesn’t fit the stereotype.

Anxiety and distressed behaviour signs

All the signs listed in the sections above can potentially lead to high levels of anxiety and may result in:

  • distressed behaviour that may present as aggression (towards yourself/themselves or others)
  • overwhelm and/or meltdowns – potentially from masking in social situations and needing to release the stress of doing so after returning to a ‘safe space’
  • difficulties in school
  • appearing withdrawn or finding it difficult to engage with when recovering from social situations (sometimes known as ‘shutdown)’
  • being misunderstood by others
  • reaching a point of breakdown, severe mental health difficulties or burnout.

Parents or caregivers often notice the signs that their child or young person may be autistic. However, other family members, friends, as well as education and health professionals can also observe these signs.

You may notice that your child:

  • responds differently than other children (for example, responding to their name; responding to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, taste and touch)
  • doesn’t engage with other children
  • has additional characteristics (for example, hyperactivity) that were investigated
  • loses a skill they once had (for example, loss of speech that had previously developed)
  • experiences challenges in school
  • has mental health issues.
  • Additionally, parents may recognise their family and child’s experience reflected in media about autism (such as books and YouTube videos).

Please note that not all information and media regarding autism are reliable or based on evidence. Be especially cautious of any sources that claim to ‘cure’ or ‘treat’ autism, as this is not possible and indicates that the source may not be trustworthy.. 

Please see the list of websites and organisations where you can find really useful information. 

  1. The Brent Outreach autism team: Local Offer: Brent Outreach Autism Team - London Borough of Brent
  2. BRENT PARENT CARERS CIC
  3. Resources to Support Autistic Children and Young People
  4. Widgit Symbol Resources | Ready-Made Teaching Materials
  5. The Spectrum magazine
  6. National Autistic Society
  7. Autism Services Directory
  8. Speech Therapy | Autism Speaks
  9. Sensory stories - Foundation Stage SEN - BBC Bitesize
  10. Social Communication & Autism Spectrum Service - resources | Great Ormond Street Hospital
  11. Terminology_Guide_EC_ - formatted
  12. What is Autism? | Autism Education Trust
  13. For Parents | Autism Education Trust
  14. Support for the parent and carer community