How do I know if a reaction is due to autism or typical for a child/young person of this age?

Figuring out whether a reaction is due to autism or is just typical for a child or young person can be tricky. After all, autism encompasses such a broad range of behaviours, and children develop in so many different ways. But here's the key: the more you understand about autism, the better you'll be able to assess what is going on for your child.

So, how do you do it?

Become a Detective

The best way to figure out whether a behaviour or reaction is linked to autism or is simply typical for a child's age is to truly dive into understanding autism. And when I say "dive in," I mean study it, learn as much as you can, and put that knowledge into practice.

I’m not being sarcastic here—I truly mean it. You’ve got to step into the role of a detective. Think back to what happened an hour ago. What led up to the behaviour or misunderstanding in question? What’s happening right now? Is there something in your understanding of autism that might explain what you're seeing?

For example, when we say, “Ah, the terrible twos,” or “Ah, they’re just hormonal,” or “Teenage tantrums”—is that really the full picture? Or could it be related to something like synaesthesia, monotropism, an auditory processing issue, or the effects of sensory overload? And the list goes on…

Looking at the whole picture

When trying to determine whether a behaviour is autism-related, it’s crucial to look at the whole picture. Behaviour doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s influenced by everything that has come before it. The key is to gather the full context and ask yourself:

• Did something trigger the behaviour?

• Is the child reacting to sensory input, anxiety, or overstimulation?

• Is the behaviour within the realm of what's typical for their age and development stage?

  
  

By asking these kinds of questions and having a deep understanding of autism, you can start to differentiate between what might be a typical developmental behaviour or reaction and what is linked to autism. It's not always obvious, but the more you learn, the easier it becomes.

Why it matters

Understanding the difference isn’t just an academic exercise. It’s crucial for supporting the child or young person in your care. If you understand that certain behaviours, reactions or misunderstandings are linked to autism, you can respond in a way that’s supportive and tailored to their needs. On the flip side, if you recognise that it is typical for their age, you can be sure you’re not overthinking it or making assumptions based on autism.

Conclusion

In the end, the more you learn about autism, the clearer it becomes. With time and attention, you’ll develop the skills to assess what is going on with the child or young person more accurately, and with that knowledge, you'll be able to respond in ways that make a real difference in all your lives.