Signs your child might be autistic and how to help them thrive – from a Birmingham expert
Think your child might have autism?
Birmingham Child and Adolescent Therapist Laura Gwilt is an expert in autism and came onto the Brummie Mummies Podcast to share how to spot signs of autism and how to help your child thrive.
“These signs may not show up in every autistic child and it’s really about knowing your child and spotting any changes,” said Laura, who is based at Swift Psychology in the Jewellery Quarter.
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She explained: “It’s about educating yourself on what to look for and what ages they start to show.
“These signs often come out early on. We’re noticing those first signs at key developmental ages when they’re going to nursery and may be starting to show some difficulties in socialising.
“Some can be diagnosed very early on, others aren’t until they are teens or in early adulthood.
“I always say you know your child, you know what’s normal, trust your instincts.”
Listen to Laura on the Brummie Mummies Podcast here
Signs your child may be autistic
Every child is different and likely to show symptoms in different ways but here are suggestions of some signs they might display:
- Difficulties in social interaction, not being as social as others and not picking up on social cues
- Having difficulties in maintaining friendships
- Very intense interests
- Repetitive behaviours
- Sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, foods, smells, tastes and lights
- Limited language or unusually formal speech
- Need for routine
- Distress around unexpected changes
“One of the tricky things that the parents I support express to me is that they want to push socialising, really trying to force their child into scary social situations,” said Laura, who has worked in mental health care for 10 years and uses CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) to support children and young people with autism.
“I think we have this idea that the more friends our children have the better. I really encourage parents to focus on the quality of friendships rather than quantity.
“It’s important to follow the child’s lead. A lot will have difficulty communicating. Help them rehearse social situations in a very low-pressure way by role playing, story books, mentoring or being expressive in the conversations we have at home.
“Above everything, it’s about validating their experience and really celebrating their strengths.
“Sometimes when we get into conversations about neurodivergence, it’s about wanting to fix but it’s about celebrating what they’ve brought into the world too.
“It’s fascinating the amount of unique skills I come across – incredible focus and creativity and a deep passion for the things they are interested in.
“These children and young people often tend to be very honest and loyal and authentic.”
How to support a child or young person with autism
Laura recommends the following suggestions:
- Waiting list can be long so the first step is to speak to your child’s GP and the school SENCO and consider private assessments if at all possible
- Use play, metaphors, sensory tools and different therapy processes
- Acceptance and commitment therapy is useful when we’re in those first stages of a diagnoses, which helps children to identify their values and take action that feels meaningful
- Keep a diary to help with monitoring and tracking as it can help with the assessment and referral
- Access psychoeducation for yourself as a parent to understand autism better
- Reach out for support as there is so much support out there with or without a diagnosis, don’t wait for a diagnosis
- There’s support not just for the child but for the whole family
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