Birmingham Autism Specialist Offers Guidance for Concerned Parents
If you suspect your child might be autistic, Birmingham-based Child and Adolescent Therapist Laura Gwilt provides expert insight into recognising early indicators and fostering development. Speaking on the Brummie Mummies Podcast, Gwilt, who practices at Swift Psychology in the Jewellery Quarter, emphasised that autism manifests uniquely in each child.
"These signs may not appear in every autistic child," explained Laura. "It's fundamentally about understanding your child's individual patterns and noticing any significant changes in their behaviour or development."
Recognising Early Developmental Indicators
Gwilt highlighted the importance of parental education regarding developmental milestones. "It's about equipping yourself with knowledge of what to observe and at which ages potential signs might emerge," she stated. These indicators often become apparent during crucial early developmental stages, particularly as children begin nursery and may encounter socialisation challenges.
"Some children receive diagnoses very early, while others may not be identified until their teenage years or early adulthood," she noted. "I consistently advise parents: you know your child best. Trust your instincts about what constitutes normal behaviour for them."
Common Signs of Autism in Children
While every child exhibits symptoms differently, Laura outlined several potential indicators parents might observe:
- Difficulties with social interaction, including challenges interpreting social cues
- Struggles maintaining friendships and peer relationships
- Development of intensely focused interests
- Engagement in repetitive behaviours or movements
- Sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, foods, smells, tastes, or lighting
- Limited language development or unusually formal speech patterns
- Strong preference for routines and predictability
- Significant distress when facing unexpected changes
Supporting Social Development Without Pressure
Gwilt addressed common parental concerns about socialisation. "Many parents I support express wanting to encourage social interaction, sometimes pushing children into anxiety-provoking social situations," said the therapist, who has dedicated ten years to mental health care and employs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with autistic children and young people.
"We often operate under the assumption that more friends automatically means better social development. I strongly encourage focusing on friendship quality rather than quantity."
She recommends following the child's lead, particularly for those with communication difficulties. Practical strategies include:
- Rehearsing social scenarios through low-pressure role-playing
- Using storybooks to explore social concepts
- Implementing mentoring approaches
- Modeling expressive communication during home conversations
"Most importantly, validate their experiences and actively celebrate their unique strengths," Gwilt emphasised. "Discussions about neurodivergence sometimes focus on 'fixing' perceived issues, but we should equally appreciate what neurodivergent individuals contribute to our world."
She described frequently encountering remarkable abilities among autistic children and young people, including:
- Exceptional focus and concentration abilities
- Notable creativity and innovative thinking
- Deep, passionate engagement with specific interests
- Character traits of honesty, loyalty, and authenticity
Practical Steps for Support and Assessment
Laura Gwilt offers several recommendations for parents seeking support:
- Initiate conversations with your child's GP and school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) as waiting lists can be lengthy
- Consider private assessment options where feasible
- Utilise play-based approaches, metaphors, sensory tools, and varied therapeutic processes
- Explore Acceptance and Commitment Therapy during early diagnosis stages to help children identify personal values
- Maintain detailed diaries to monitor behaviours and patterns, aiding assessment processes
- Access psychoeducational resources to better understand autism spectrum conditions
- Seek support networks immediately rather than waiting for formal diagnosis
- Remember that support services exist for entire families, not just the identified child
Gwilt's comprehensive approach combines professional expertise with compassionate understanding, providing Birmingham parents with valuable resources for navigating autism recognition and support.
