Could My Child Be Autistic? A Parent’s Guide to Recognising the Signs and Knowing What to Do Next

Have you ever wondered why your child seems to experience the world differently from other children?

Perhaps they find friendships difficult, become distressed when routines change, feel overwhelmed by sounds or textures, or spend long periods focused on particular interests.

Could My Child Be Autistic? is a compassionate, evidence-informed guide designed to help parents and caregivers recognise patterns that may suggest their child could benefit from an autism assessment.

Inside this 28-page guide, you will discover:

• 10 key areas commonly explored during an autism assessment

• Clear, everyday examples of what these characteristics may look like at home and school

• Information about social communication, routines, sensory differences, emotional regulation and focused interests

• Guidance on masking and why autism may sometimes be overlooked

• A bonus section exploring family history

• Strength-focused and neuro-affirming perspectives

• Reflection questions to help you organise your observations

• Practical next steps for speaking with your child’s school, GP or another professional

• A parent observation worksheet to help you prepare for future conversations

This guide is written in clear, reassuring language and recognises that autism is not something to fear. Every autistic child is unique, with their own personality, strengths, differences and support needs.

About the author

Nontokozo Ndlovu is a Registered Mental Health Nurse with over 14 years of professional experience. Throughout her career, she has supported autistic children, young people and adults, as well as individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions. She also has over three years of specialist experience as a Highly Specialist Autism Practitioner.

Who is this guide for?

This guide may be helpful for:

• Parents or caregivers beginning to wonder whether their child could be autistic

• Families whose child’s school or nursery has raised concerns

• Parents seeking reliable information before requesting an assessment

• Caregivers wanting to understand and support their child more confidently

Format: Instant digital PDF download

Length: 28 pages

Language: English

Please note: This guide contains UK-focused information and resources, although much of the general information may also be helpful to families internationally.

Important: This resource is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace professional medical advice or a comprehensive autism assessment.