Autism Support / Advice & next steps
Understanding signs of autism
Noticing differences is a reason to understand the child better, not to force them into a checklist. Start with strengths, needs and the situations that create difficulty.
Quick answer
Possible signs of autism are persistent differences in social communication, interaction, flexibility, interests, routines or sensory processing that affect everyday life. They vary widely and can be subtle, especially when a child masks or copes differently across settings. Signs alone do not confirm autism.
What this means
A child may communicate or relate to others in an individual way, find unpredictable change difficult, have intense interests, repeat movements or language, or experience sound, light, clothing, food and touch differently. Some children show clear differences early; others are recognised later when social or organisational demands increase. Anxiety, language needs, ADHD, learning differences, trauma and other factors can overlap, so a broad professional assessment may be helpful.
Look for patterns across time and context rather than isolated behaviour. Ask what happens before and after distress, what the child is trying to communicate and which environments help them feel regulated and understood.
Girls, quieter children and young people who mask may not match familiar stereotypes. Absence of one commonly discussed sign does not rule autism in or out.
Questions to ask
Which differences are persistent, and how do they affect everyday life?
Does the child present differently at home, school or after masking?
What sensory, communication or routine adjustments already help?
Are there other needs or experiences that should be considered alongside autism?
Local Northamptonshire route
Families can ask the GP, health visitor where relevant, or school about the current local referral pathway. Diagnostic routes are health services, while North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire publish separate Local Offer and SENDIASS information for education and family support. Schools should respond to identified need before diagnosis.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Professional assessment may help when differences are persistent and significantly affect daily life, but paid assessment is not mandatory. Use NHS routes and free information first if that suits your family. Seek urgent medical or safeguarding help where immediate risk is present.
What happens next?
If referral is appropriate, keep a copy of the information provided and ask what happens while waiting. Continue reviewing school support and everyday adjustments. If referral is not offered, ask for the reasons and what alternative assessment or support is suggested.
Support that may help
GP or health visitor · School SENCO · NHS autism assessment service · SENDIASS
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.