Autism is different for everyone. Autism is a spectrum. This means everybody with autism is different. It's something you're born with or first appears when very young.
Being autistic does not mean your child has an illness or disease. It means your child’s brain works in a different way from other people.
Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a "cure". Some children need support to help them with certain things. Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, educational support, plus a number of other interventions are available to help children and parents.
What causes autism?
It's not clear what causes autism. Nobody knows what causes autism, or if it has a cause.
It can affect people in the same family. So it may sometimes be passed on to a child by their parents.
Autism is not caused by:
- bad parenting
- vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine
- diet
- an infection you can spread to other people
Read more about the causes of autism spectrum conditions on NHS.uk.
More resources
- Autism and everyday life
- How to help with your child's behaviour
- NHS autism guide
- National Autistic Society: What is autism?
- Ambitious about Autism: What is autism?
Signs of autism in young children include:
- not responding to their name
- avoiding eye contact
- not smiling when you smile at them
- getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
- repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
- not talking as much as other children
- repeating the same phrases
Signs of autism in older children include:
- not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling
- finding it hard to say how they feel
- liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
- having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
- getting very upset if you ask them to do something
- finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
- taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like "break a leg"
Autism can sometimes be different in girls and boys. For example, autistic girls may be quieter, may hide their feelings and may appear to cope better with social situations. This means autism can be harder to spot in girls.
Diagnosis
In this video below, Dr Bird, one of our consultant paediatricians, explains some of the reasons why it may be beneficial for your child to explore the assessment process.
Are you wondering whether to have your child assessed for autism?
It's not always easy to get an autism assessment. Waiting times can also be very long, but support is available whilst waiting for diagnosis. You can find out more about support in the sections of this roadmap too.
Alongside offering support your Health Visiting team can refer you for therapy and specialist groups at children’s centres.
The main features of autism – problems with social communication and interaction – can often be recognised during early childhood.
Some features of autism may not become noticeable until a change of situation, such as when the child starts nursery or school.
You should speak to your child’s nursery, health visitor or GP if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of autism in your child, or if you're concerned about your child's development.
Ask them if they think it’s a good idea to refer you for an autism assessment. An assessment is done by autism specialists. It’s the only way to find out if your child is autistic.
Read more about diagnosing autism on nhs.uk.
Under 5s service
Many children will have difficulties as part of ordinary development, but if problems start to take over everyday life, or parents feel they are not enjoying parenting, or struggling to parent their child, then they may find it helpful to speak to someone.
Our Under 5s services offer specialist treatment and consultation to parents aimed at improving the wellbeing of children under five years old. We have Therapists, Health Visitors, Paediatricians, Nurses, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Social Workers who are able to support you.
The teams meet with families in children’s centres and local clinics.
We provide an integrated service for parents in partnership with Local Authorities across North West and North Central London as well as Milton Keynes, designed to offer support during the early years of your child’s life.
We’ve put together some information to support your parenting journey:
Under 5s service
Many children will have difficulties as part of ordinary development, but if problems start to take over everyday life, or parents feel they are not enjoying parenting, or struggling to parent their child, then they may find it helpful to speak to someone.
Our Under 5s services offer specialist treatment and consultation to parents aimed at improving the wellbeing of children under five years old. We have Therapists, Health Visitors, Paediatricians, Nurses, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Social Workers who are able to support you.
The teams meet with families in children’s centres and local clinics.
We provide an integrated service for parents in partnership with Local Authorities across North West and North Central London as well as Milton Keynes, designed to offer support during the early years of your child’s life.
We’ve put together some information to support your parenting journey:
Health Visiting
Health Visitors are qualified nurses who have undertaken specialist training in public health, child development and health needs assessment.
The team works closely with children's centres, social care, schools and other healthcare professionals including GPs.
All children 0 to 5 years old are under the care of the health visiting service and are referred by the midwives/hospital maternity teams or your GP. If you are not already being seen by this service you can self-refer.
They can help with:
- Your child's health and development
- Your own ability to cope due to stress or ill health
- Other family problems affecting your children
We’ve put together some information to support your parenting journey:
- How can Health Visitors help?
- You can find the contact information for our Health Visiting services by typing in your borough here
Developmental health review
You’ll see lots of change in your child’s development between one and two years.
All children from birth to starting school will be offered a series of routine health reviews. Parents can also access extra help when they need it for issues such as toileting, eating, sleep, behaviour, wellbeing and mental health.
At this review you will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Health Visiting Service and discuss how your baby is developing and ask any questions.
This video below tells you more about a developmental review.
Health Visiting
Health Visitors are qualified nurses who have undertaken specialist training in public health, child development and health needs assessment.
The team works closely with children's centres, social care, schools and other healthcare professionals including GPs.
All children 0 to 5 years old are under the care of the health visiting service and are referred by the midwives/hospital maternity teams or your GP. If you are not already being seen by this service you can self-refer.
They can help with:
- Your child's health and development
- Your own ability to cope due to stress or ill health
- Other family problems affecting your children
We’ve put together some information to support your parenting journey:
- How can Health Visitors help?
- You can find the contact information for our Health Visiting services by typing in your borough here
Developmental health review
You’ll see lots of change in your child’s development between one and two years.
All children from birth to starting school will be offered a series of routine health reviews. Parents can also access extra help when they need it for issues such as toileting, eating, sleep, behaviour, wellbeing and mental health.
At this review you will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Health Visiting Service and discuss how your baby is developing and ask any questions.
This video below tells you more about a developmental review.
Child development
When a professional has identified some difficulties with your child's development or social communication skills they may speak to you about referral to the Child Development Centre.
Child Development services work to identify, assess, investigate and support children and young people with-long term neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodisabilities, including autism.
To be referred to the child development centre your child needs to be registered with a GP. You will need to ask your GP for a referral to your local service.
In this film, we meet the Camden MOSAIC Child Development Team (CDT)
This film features members of the team and parents and carers of children who have used the service. The film will talk about what to expect when your child is referred into the Child Development Team.
We’ve put together some information sheets to support your parenting journey:
Child development
When a professional has identified some difficulties with your child's development or social communication skills they may speak to you about referral to the Child Development Centre.
Child Development services work to identify, assess, investigate and support children and young people with-long term neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodisabilities, including autism.
To be referred to the child development centre your child needs to be registered with a GP. You will need to ask your GP for a referral to your local service.
In this film, we meet the Camden MOSAIC Child Development Team (CDT)
This film features members of the team and parents and carers of children who have used the service. The film will talk about what to expect when your child is referred into the Child Development Team.
We’ve put together some information sheets to support your parenting journey:
Special School Nursing
Special School Nurses provide physical, mental, social and emotional health services for young people of school age and their families in special education settings.
Special School Nursing teams comprise a mix of highly skilled nurses and other staff trained in looking after children with complex needs.
Each special school has a team led by a Special School Nurse. Contact your Special School Nurse via your child’s school.
We’ve put together some information to support your parenting journey:
- How can School Nurses help?
- You can find the contact information for our School Nursing services by typing in your borough here
Special School Nursing
Special School Nurses provide physical, mental, social and emotional health services for young people of school age and their families in special education settings.
Special School Nursing teams comprise a mix of highly skilled nurses and other staff trained in looking after children with complex needs.
Each special school has a team led by a Special School Nurse. Contact your Special School Nurse via your child’s school.
We’ve put together some information to support your parenting journey:
- How can School Nurses help?
- You can find the contact information for our School Nursing services by typing in your borough here
Community nursing services
Our Children's Community Nursing teams care for children and young people between the ages of 0 and 19.
They are experienced Children's Nurses who work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide high quality care for your child. They care for children who need nursing support for a range of conditions, including:
- respiratory conditions, including oxygen dependency and tracheostomy care
- feeding difficulties, including the management and teaching of nasogastric and gastrostomy tube feeding
- skin care needs, such as support with dressings, eczema and burns
- chronic conditions requiring long term support, such as diabetes.
Community nursing services
Our Children's Community Nursing teams care for children and young people between the ages of 0 and 19.
They are experienced Children's Nurses who work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide high quality care for your child. They care for children who need nursing support for a range of conditions, including:
- respiratory conditions, including oxygen dependency and tracheostomy care
- feeding difficulties, including the management and teaching of nasogastric and gastrostomy tube feeding
- skin care needs, such as support with dressings, eczema and burns
- chronic conditions requiring long term support, such as diabetes.
Children's Allied Health Professionals
Children’s Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are typically a team of Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Dietitians who deliver a community service for children and young people aged 0 to 19.
How they help:
- Speech and Language Therapists work with children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs as well as eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
- Physiotherapists help with movement and mobility difficulties caused by neurological, neuromuscular or orthopaedic conditions.
- Occupational Therapists work with children and young people to enable them to participate in everyday activities such as self-care or play to improve health, independence and wellbeing.
- Dietitians work with children and young people who may be affected by a range of health conditions to provide guidance about diets and nutrition.
They work in partnership with professionals who are involved in the child’s care and work across a variety of locations including mainstream schools, children’s centres and nurseries, NHS clinics and Child Development Centres.
Children's Allied Health Professionals
Children’s Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are typically a team of Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Dietitians who deliver a community service for children and young people aged 0 to 19.
How they help:
- Speech and Language Therapists work with children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs as well as eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
- Physiotherapists help with movement and mobility difficulties caused by neurological, neuromuscular or orthopaedic conditions.
- Occupational Therapists work with children and young people to enable them to participate in everyday activities such as self-care or play to improve health, independence and wellbeing.
- Dietitians work with children and young people who may be affected by a range of health conditions to provide guidance about diets and nutrition.
They work in partnership with professionals who are involved in the child’s care and work across a variety of locations including mainstream schools, children’s centres and nurseries, NHS clinics and Child Development Centres.
School nursing services
The School Nursing services work in partnership with children, young people, families as well as schools and the Local Authority to ensure that pupils are supported within their school community to remain healthy and receive the right support where it is needed.
They can help when young people want advice or need to talk to someone about any worries relating to their health and wellbeing, as well as provide support and advice to parents or carers.
Each school has a named School Nurse and the team runs a confidential service in schools. All children will be offered routine health screening when they start in Reception, via a parents questionnaire. Extra help, advice and support is available for children and young people if they need it for issues such as toileting, behaviour, sleep and development.
You can contact your School Nurse via your child’s school. You can find the contact information for our School Nursing services by typing in your borough here.
We've put together some information to support your parenting journey:
School nursing services
The School Nursing services work in partnership with children, young people, families as well as schools and the Local Authority to ensure that pupils are supported within their school community to remain healthy and receive the right support where it is needed.
They can help when young people want advice or need to talk to someone about any worries relating to their health and wellbeing, as well as provide support and advice to parents or carers.
Each school has a named School Nurse and the team runs a confidential service in schools. All children will be offered routine health screening when they start in Reception, via a parents questionnaire. Extra help, advice and support is available for children and young people if they need it for issues such as toileting, behaviour, sleep and development.
You can contact your School Nurse via your child’s school. You can find the contact information for our School Nursing services by typing in your borough here.
We've put together some information to support your parenting journey:
Community paediatrics
A Community Paediatrician is a specialist children’s doctor. They see children between the ages of 0 to 18 (or up to 19 years if the young person attends a special school).
There will be concerns about developmental delay, neuro-disability, or other complex health needs. Community Paediatricians provide services for:
- Children undergoing an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Children undergoing an assessment of their Special Educational Needs
- Children with neurodevelopmental concerns such as social and communication difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or developmental delay
Referrals can be made by GPs and Health Visitors, School Nurses, Therapists and CAMHS.
Community Paediatricians work in partnership to provide community services for children with developmental needs. They work closely with other professionals including the Community Nursing team, therapists (Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy), dieticians, as well as local schools, Education Department and Social Services.
They are often based at Child Development Centres (CDC). You can find the contact information for our services below:
Community paediatrics
A Community Paediatrician is a specialist children’s doctor. They see children between the ages of 0 to 18 (or up to 19 years if the young person attends a special school).
There will be concerns about developmental delay, neuro-disability, or other complex health needs. Community Paediatricians provide services for:
- Children undergoing an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Children undergoing an assessment of their Special Educational Needs
- Children with neurodevelopmental concerns such as social and communication difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or developmental delay
Referrals can be made by GPs and Health Visitors, School Nurses, Therapists and CAMHS.
Community Paediatricians work in partnership to provide community services for children with developmental needs. They work closely with other professionals including the Community Nursing team, therapists (Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy), dieticians, as well as local schools, Education Department and Social Services.
They are often based at Child Development Centres (CDC). You can find the contact information for our services below:
Children with complex needs services
If your child has been diagnosed with an illness, disability or sensory impairment and needs a lot of additional support on a daily basis, they're described as having "complex needs". A child might have complex needs from birth, or after an illness or injury.
Although everyone's experience will be different, it can be reassuring to speak to other parents who have children with the same disability or health condition as yours. They're likely to have been through the same emotions and processes.
We have services to support children with complex needs as well as mental health support workers in schools. Visit our service page to find a service in your borough
Children with complex needs services
If your child has been diagnosed with an illness, disability or sensory impairment and needs a lot of additional support on a daily basis, they're described as having "complex needs". A child might have complex needs from birth, or after an illness or injury.
Although everyone's experience will be different, it can be reassuring to speak to other parents who have children with the same disability or health condition as yours. They're likely to have been through the same emotions and processes.
We have services to support children with complex needs as well as mental health support workers in schools. Visit our service page to find a service in your borough
Learning disability service
We have an inpatient unit for young people (aged 13 to 18 years) with a learning disability, challenging behaviour and/or mental health difficulties and/or autism.
Our staff teams have many years' experience of working with people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.
We have a multidisciplinary team consisting of Nurses, Support Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, an Occupational Therapist, physiotherapists, a Physical Exercise Coach, a Speech and Language Therapist, a Music Therapist, an Independent Advocate and a range of Administrative Staff.
Find out more here The Kingswood Centre: Crystal House :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (cnwl.nhs.uk)
Learning disability service
We have an inpatient unit for young people (aged 13 to 18 years) with a learning disability, challenging behaviour and/or mental health difficulties and/or autism.
Our staff teams have many years' experience of working with people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.
We have a multidisciplinary team consisting of Nurses, Support Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, an Occupational Therapist, physiotherapists, a Physical Exercise Coach, a Speech and Language Therapist, a Music Therapist, an Independent Advocate and a range of Administrative Staff.
Find out more here The Kingswood Centre: Crystal House :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (cnwl.nhs.uk)
CAMHS services
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
CAMHS is here to talk to children, young people and their families in order to better understand their problems, and to discuss with them how best to help. We help children who have worries, sad or angry feelings or problems with behaviour. When our bodies become unwell, we might go to the doctor for help. In the same way, when children have problems with their mental health they might visit CAMHS for help.
The CAMHS team include: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Nurses, Family Therapists and Social Workers. Learn more about who works at CAMHS here.
Our CAMHS services in north west London and Milton Keynes see children and their families between the ages of 0 to 18. Find out how to contact them here: CNWL Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) service
We also work in partnership with other professionals and services to support and help young people and their families, such as North and South Camden community CAMHS.
We've put together some information to support your parenting journey:
Who works at CAMHS and how can they help?
These videos tell you more about the types of professionals who work in CAMHS.
CAMHS services
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
CAMHS is here to talk to children, young people and their families in order to better understand their problems, and to discuss with them how best to help. We help children who have worries, sad or angry feelings or problems with behaviour. When our bodies become unwell, we might go to the doctor for help. In the same way, when children have problems with their mental health they might visit CAMHS for help.
The CAMHS team include: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Nurses, Family Therapists and Social Workers. Learn more about who works at CAMHS here.
Our CAMHS services in north west London and Milton Keynes see children and their families between the ages of 0 to 18. Find out how to contact them here: CNWL Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) service
We also work in partnership with other professionals and services to support and help young people and their families, such as North and South Camden community CAMHS.
We've put together some information to support your parenting journey:
Who works at CAMHS and how can they help?
These videos tell you more about the types of professionals who work in CAMHS.
Youth justice services
Our youth justice services (in young offender institutions and prisons) provide emotional and practical support to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young adults including:
- physical healthcare
- primary mental health
- mental health and substance misuse healthcare
- specialist community forensic services to those in the community who have offended and maybe at risk of offending
- assessment, liaison and diversion to the courts, police stations and prison and probation teams
Our staff also help to identify vulnerable people early on to help improve health and criminal justice outcomes.
This video tells you more about the types of professionals who work in our health and justice services.
Youth justice services
Our youth justice services (in young offender institutions and prisons) provide emotional and practical support to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young adults including:
- physical healthcare
- primary mental health
- mental health and substance misuse healthcare
- specialist community forensic services to those in the community who have offended and maybe at risk of offending
- assessment, liaison and diversion to the courts, police stations and prison and probation teams
Our staff also help to identify vulnerable people early on to help improve health and criminal justice outcomes.
This video tells you more about the types of professionals who work in our health and justice services.
CAMHS crisis teams
The CAMHS urgent care teams work in conjunction with local hospitals and existing local CAMHS services to provide access for children and young people up to the age of 18 to a dedicated crisis and liaison service when they are experiencing an acute mental health or emotional crisis.
We also have The Adolescent Community Treatment Service (ACTS) for people aged 13 to 18, who are presenting in crisis with serious or complex psychiatric disorders, who live within the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Harrow or Hillingdon.
In a crisis you can find out who to call here including 24 hour support 265 days a year from our single point of access service
CAMHS crisis teams
The CAMHS urgent care teams work in conjunction with local hospitals and existing local CAMHS services to provide access for children and young people up to the age of 18 to a dedicated crisis and liaison service when they are experiencing an acute mental health or emotional crisis.
We also have The Adolescent Community Treatment Service (ACTS) for people aged 13 to 18, who are presenting in crisis with serious or complex psychiatric disorders, who live within the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Harrow or Hillingdon.
In a crisis you can find out who to call here including 24 hour support 265 days a year from our single point of access service
Changing from child to adult care
It's a good idea to start thinking about your child's future when they're around 14.
You can speak to any doctors or care teams your child has about what happens when they turn 18.
You can also:
- ask colleges or universities what support they can give your child, if they're planning to go to one
- apply for a needs assessment from your council – this may help your child get some free care and support when they're an adult
- apply for a carer's assessment if you care for your child – you may be able to get support and financial benefits
Find out more
Changing from child to adult care
It's a good idea to start thinking about your child's future when they're around 14.
You can speak to any doctors or care teams your child has about what happens when they turn 18.
You can also:
- ask colleges or universities what support they can give your child, if they're planning to go to one
- apply for a needs assessment from your council – this may help your child get some free care and support when they're an adult
- apply for a carer's assessment if you care for your child – you may be able to get support and financial benefits
Find out more
Where to get support
Having an autistic child can put a lot of strain on you and your family.
If you feel you need help, you can get support from lots of places.
Where to get support
Having an autistic child can put a lot of strain on you and your family.
If you feel you need help, you can get support from lots of places.