Autism vs Behavioural Issues in Children: A Parent’s Guide to Spotting the Difference

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Quick Overview: Spot the Difference at a Glance

Autism Red Flags Checklist

• Social Communication

  • Rarely responds to name by 12 months
  • Limited eye contact or shared smiles
  • Doesn’t point or show objects to share interest

• Repetitive & Restricted Behaviours

  • Lines up toys in precise ways, gets upset if moved
  • Hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking when excited
  • Extreme distress at small changes in routine

• Sensory Sensitivities

  • Covers ears for everyday sounds (hair-dryer, blender)
  • Gags on certain textures or refuses entire food groups
  • Seeks deep pressure or crashes into furniture for input

Typical Behavioural Issues Checklist

• Behaviour

  • Occasional tantrums when tired or hungry
  • Defiance linked to clear triggers (told “no”)
  • Quickly soothed by distraction or favourite toy

• Social & Communication

  • Enjoys peek-a-boo, waving bye-bye
  • Uses gestures and words to get needs met
  • Shares excitement—“Look, Mummy, a dog!”

• Flexibility

  • Adapts to new babysitter after brief protest
  • Accepts substitute snack if the usual one is gone

When behaviour lasts weeks, occurs across settings, and derails daily routines, it moves from “typical” to challenging behaviour that warrants professional input.

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Why Early & Accurate Identification Matters

Impact on Learning & Family Stress

• Learning: Misreading signs can place a child in the wrong classroom support level.
• Family Stress: Uncertainty fuels exhaustion; clarity guides targeted strategies.
• Long-term Outcomes: Early, correct intervention boosts language, social skills, and independence.

Avoiding Misdiagnosis & Wrong Interventions

Autism-specific strategies (visual schedules, social stories) differ from general behavioural issues in toddlers tools like time-outs. Using the wrong one can increase frustration for everyone.

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Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process at Cadabams CDC

1. Initial Parent Interview & Questionnaires

We start with you. Our clinicians review developmental history, sleep, feeding, and sensory patterns through standardised questionnaires you can complete at home.

2. Structured Developmental Observation

Your child joins play-based tasks designed to observe communication, play skills, and repetitive behaviours. Sessions are video-recorded (with consent) for detailed analysis.

3. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

A board-certified behaviour analyst identifies what triggers and maintains challenging behaviour—be it escaping demands, gaining attention, or sensory feedback.

4. Multi-disciplinary Team Review & Personalised Plan

Psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists meet to confirm or rule out autism, craft a diagnosis report, and outline goals. Parents receive a one-page action plan the same day.

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Evidence-Based Interventions We Offer

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

We teach replacement behaviours—like asking for a break instead of screaming—while reducing triggers across home, school, and community.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Individualised, data-driven sessions build language, social, and self-help skills. Progress is graphed weekly so adjustments are swift.

Parent Coaching & Home Strategies

• Two-hour hands-on workshops
• 24/7 WhatsApp support group moderated by our clinicians
• Custom visual schedules and token boards sent straight to your phone

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Signs You Should Seek Professional Help Now

• Frequent meltdowns lasting >20 minutes, happening multiple times daily.
• Regression in language or social skills—losing words or no longer waving bye-bye.
• School or daycare expressing concerns about peer interaction or following group instructions.

If any box is ticked, Cadabams CDC can see you within 5 working days.

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