In short: In school-age children, autism signs often show up as difficulty with friendships and changes, very focused interests, sensory sensitivities and exhaustion after school. Girls may hide their difficulties.
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Some children are not identified as autistic until they start school, when social and sensory demands increase.
Social and communication signs
- Prefers playing alone or with adults
- Struggles with turn-taking and group games
- Takes language literally; misses jokes or sarcasm
- Talks at length about favourite topics
Sensory and behavioural signs
- Covers ears at noise; dislikes certain clothes or foods
- Meltdowns after school (“restraint collapse”)
- Strong need for routine and predictability
- Repetitive movements (stimming)
Autism signs in girls
- Copies peers to fit in; one or two intense friendships
- Interests that seem typical but are unusually intense
- Holds it together at school, falls apart at home
- Anxiety, stomach aches or school refusal
What happened to Asperger’s?
Children who would once have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome are now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Next steps
Talk to your child’s teacher and GP, and consider an assessment by a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist. See educational psychologists and the directory.
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Sources & further reading
Last checked: 31 October 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us.