Recognising Autism: Signs, Characteristics, and Screening Tools

What Are the Signs of Autism?

Autism is associated with deficits or differences in two areas: social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests. Sensory differences are also common.

Social communication and interaction

Examples may include:

• Differences in using or understanding gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
• Difficulty understanding social expectations or unwritten rules.
• Differences in developing and maintaining relationships.
• Difficulty understanding sarcasm, humour, or implied meaning.
• Differences in conversation or sharing interests with others.

These differences do not mean an autistic person lacks interest in friendships or relationships. They may simply communicate and connect with others differently.

Repetitive behaviours, interests, and sensory differences

Examples may include:

• Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or rocking.
• Strong or highly focused interests.
• A preference for routines and predictability.
• Repetitive play or ways of using objects.
• Heightened or reduced responses to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or other sensory experiences.
• Difficulty adjusting to unexpected changes.

Not every autistic person will have the same characteristics. A few individual traits do not automatically indicate autism. What matters is the overall pattern and how it affects everyday life.

Autism Across the Lifespan

Some characteristics become more noticeable as social and everyday expectations change. Parents may first notice differences in communication, play, or social interaction during childhood. Adolescents may experience challenges with friendships, social expectations, or changes in routine. Adults may recognise longstanding differences in social interaction, sensory experiences, or a strong need for predictability.

Some autistic people also engage in masking, consciously or unconsciously adjusting their behaviour to fit social expectations. This can make autism less obvious to others and can be exhausting to the autistic individual.

Can Screening Tools Help?

Screening questionnaires can help identify people who may benefit from further evaluation. Screeners do not diagnose autism. A positive result does not confirm autism, and a negative result does not rule it out.

When Should You Consider an Evaluation?

Parents who have concerns about their child’s development can start by speaking with a healthcare provider. There is no need to wait for a particular milestone or screening result before raising concerns.

Adults who recognise longstanding characteristics of autism may also wish to explore an evaluation, particularly if these differences affect relationships, education, work, or everyday life.

A professional evaluation considers developmental history, current characteristics, and their impact on daily life. It involves significantly more than just completing a screening questionnaire.

How TALES Can Help

Recognising possible signs of autism can raise questions about what to do next. At TALES, we help families and educators better understand individual learning and support needs, navigate available services, and identify evidence-based strategies.

Although we do not provide diagnostic evaluations, our consultation services can help families organise their concerns and explore appropriate next steps.

Explore our services or contact us to discuss how TALES can help.