What are the signs of autism in school children?

The main features of autism  are problems with social communication and interaction.

See your GP or health visitor if you notice any of the following signs of autism in your child or if you’re concerned about your child’s development.

Spoken language

preferring to avoid using spoken language

speech that sounds very monotonous or flat

speaking in pre-learned phrases, rather than putting together individual words to form new sentences

seeming to talk “at” people, rather than sharing a two-way conversation

Responding to others

taking people’s speech literally and being unable to understand sarcasm, metaphors or figures of speech

reacting unusually negatively when asked to do something by someone else

Interacting with others

not being aware of other people’s personal space, or being unusually intolerant of people entering their own personal space

little interest in interacting with other people, including children of a similar age, or having few close friends, despite attempts to form friendships

not understanding how people normally interact socially, such as greeting people or wishing them farewell

being unable to adapt the tone and content of their speech to different social situations – for example, speaking very formally at a party and then speaking to total strangers in a familiar way

not enjoying situations and activities that most children of their age enjoy

rarely using gestures or facial expressions when communicating

avoiding eye contact

Behaviour

repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or flicking their fingers

playing in a repetitive and unimaginative way, often preferring to play with objects rather than people

developing a highly specific interest in a particular subject or activity

preferring to have a familiar routine and getting very upset if there are changes to their normal routine

having a strong like or dislike of certain foods based on the texture or colour of the food as much as the taste

unusual sensory interests – for example, children with ASD may sniff toys, objects or people inappropriately