Age one, autistic children may not - pay attention to new faces; smile, babble or laugh; follow moving objects with eyes; speak; respond to loud noises; like physical contact; crawl or stand; wave or point.

Age two, they may not - imitate actions; understand or follow simple instructions; speak; walk, or may walk only on their toes.

Age 3, they may not - use short phrases; show interest in other children; play make believe; manipulate small objects; remain stable on their feet; understand simple instructions; be toilet trained – this process can take longer in those with autism.

Other signs include:

• unusual speech patterns or a monotonous tone.
• a desire to be alone, finding socialising stressful and exhausting.
• a rigid need to follow rules, needing to follow routines to feel secure.
• special interests in a particular toy or subject.
• repetitive behaviours like hand flapping, nail biting, rocking, finger flicking, head banging or hair twirling.
  difficulty reading social cues, understanding the unwritten rules of friendship, taking turns speaking - often dominating conversations with their favourite topic.
• extreme clumsiness, lack of coordination or dyspraxia.
  sensory sensitivity to noise, light, touch, smell, taste.
• Intense eye contact, or difficulty maintaining eye contact.
• problems going to sleep.
• anxiety, depression and a tendency toward aggression when overwhelmed.
• accompanying conditions like Tourette’s Syndrome, Tic Disorders, epilepsy or ADHD.

Those with autism may learn to ‘mask’ their neurodivergent traits in order to fit in. This leads to exhaustion and burnout, leading neurodivergent people to separate from their authentic self, damaging their mental health.

Women are widely under-diagnosed. Autism criteria for diagnosis was based on boys, and autistic girls are often better at masking.

It’s not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with autism. It’s often a relief when an adult realises their challenges stem from undiagnosed autism. At any age, diagnosis can be a turning point.

The exact cause is unknown. Studies suggest it’s a combination of developmental, genetic and environmental factors.

Through positive connection, our therapists can work with you or your child to understand unique learning styles, strengths and challenging areas, identifying personalised strategies for support, including giving guidelines to your child’s school.

Bullying, feeling different, masking and being punished for neurodivergent traits are often traumatic. Psychotherapy and counselling can help you process the trauma of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world.

Psychotherapy offers a safe space to enhance self-esteem, reframe negative thought patterns, and support you in unmasking.

Caregivers may find individual or family therapy of value, helping them understand how to support a loved one with autism and how to relate to each other.

Craniosacral therapy can help ease the nervous system of those with autism, supporting them in managing anxiety and mental health concerns associated with the condition.

Our naturopaths use testing to identify triggers, like toxins and gut health which may be exacerbating symptoms.