Autism
in Children
Understanding your child's unique way of experiencing the world, early signs, screening, and the support that genuinely helps.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chitrakshi Tewari, MD (Paediatrics)
Autism is a difference in how a child communicates, plays and experiences the world, usually noticeable in the first two to three years. Early signs include limited eye contact, delayed speech and repetitive play. There is no single test, and early screening and support make a real difference. Dr. Chitrakshi Tewari offers online developmental screening and clear guidance on next steps.
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a difference in how the brain develops, affecting how a child communicates, interacts socially, and experiences sensory input. It is called a spectrum because it looks different in every child, some need substantial day-to-day support, others need very little.
Autism is not caused by parenting style, screen time, or vaccines. It is usually present from early development, and early recognition matters because young brains respond best to early support.
Early signs by age
Parents are usually the first to sense something different. "Wait and watch" advice from well-meaning relatives can delay valuable support. A structured developmental screening is quick, gentle, and either reassures you or gets help started early, both are wins.
What you can do, age by age
Whatever the age, the message is the same: act early, play often, and never wait alone.
- Track the responses that matter: responding to their name by ~9–12 months, pointing to show interest by ~15–18 months, single words by 18 months
- Serve-and-return play (face-to-face games, songs, copying sounds) is powerful brain food
- If signs appear, do not ‘wait and watch’: an early developmental review costs little and can gain everything
- Build language through play and daily routines; keep screens minimal and always shared with an adult
- Start speech and occupational therapy early if advised; therapy works best before school age
- A structured pathway, screening (such as M-CHAT) followed by a clinical developmental assessment, gives a clear starting point
- Partner with the school: predictable routines, visual timetables, a quiet corner to reset
- Social skills grow with coached practice: small playdates beat big parties
- Lean into strengths: memory, patterns, honesty and deep interests are real advantages, not consolation prizes
Does my child show these signs?
Tick anything you have noticed. For the age-linked signs, tick only those relevant to your child’s age.
Private to you: nothing you tick is stored or sent anywhere. This check is educational, not a diagnosis, and it does not replace a consultation.
How autism is assessed
Assessment starts with developmental screening (tools like the M-CHAT questionnaire at 18–24 months), followed by a detailed developmental evaluation. Hearing testing is important too, since hearing difficulties can mimic some signs. A diagnosis is made on observed behaviour and developmental history, there is no blood test for autism.
What support actually helps
- Early intervention: structured therapy started young, ideally before age 3, harnesses the brain's natural flexibility.
- Speech and language therapy: building communication in whatever form works: words, gestures, pictures.
- Occupational therapy: help with sensory processing, motor skills, and daily routines like eating and dressing.
- Parent-mediated therapy: you are your child's most powerful therapist; programmes that coach parents show some of the best results.
- Structured routines and visual supports: predictability lowers anxiety and unlocks learning.
Strengths, school and the long view
Autistic children often have real strengths: memory, pattern recognition, deep focus on interests, honesty. The goal of support is never to make a child "less autistic" but to help them communicate, learn, and participate, while the world around them (family, school, community) learns to meet them halfway. Many schools in India now offer shadow teachers and individualised education plans; knowing your child's rights helps.
I offer developmental screening, help families understand assessment reports, guide you to the right therapies (and away from unproven ones), and provide ongoing support for sleep, feeding and behaviour questions, online, across India.
Myths vs facts
Half of parenting a condition is un-learning what neighbours, forwards and well-meaning relatives insist on. Tap each card:
This has been studied in millions of children across many countries: there is no link. The original claim came from a fraudulent, retracted study. Delaying vaccines only exposes children to serious diseases.
Autistic children feel deeply; they may show affection differently: beside you rather than looking at you, through routines and shared interests rather than hugs. Different expression is not absent emotion.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that begins before birth. Cold-parenting theories were debunked decades ago. Screens don't cause autism, though rich, face-to-face play is what every developing brain needs most.
Autism is a wide spectrum. Some autistic children have intellectual disability, some have extraordinary isolated skills, and many are simply children with a different way of processing the world, and each needs their own plan.
Sources & further reading
- Hyman SL, et al. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- World Health Organization, Autism fact sheet.
- Robins DL, et al. M-CHAT-R/F autism screening tool.
This guide draws on the standard international sources above. It is educational and does not replace personalised advice from your child's doctor.
Dr. Chitrakshi holds an in-person OPD at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 6:00–8:00 PM, for children from birth to 18 years, and for pregnant, peripartum and postpartum mothers. Charges are as per hospital OPD rates. Clinic details & directions
Worried about autism?
Talk it through with a paediatrician, online, from anywhere in India.
Questions parents ask
Every child is different. If your question is not answered here, ask it in a consultation, that is exactly what they are for.