Phase 1 · Discover

Early signs by age group

Curated from trusted clinical sources — the NHS, NICE, and WebMD — to help you recognise patterns at every stage. Every section links to the original guidance so you can read further.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and speak to a professional.

0–12 months

Infants

Possible signs of autism

Limited eye contact or doesn't follow your gaze
Doesn't smile back at you by 6 months
No babbling or back-and-forth sounds by 9 months
Doesn't respond to their name by 12 months
Little interest in peekaboo or simple social games

Possible signs of ADHD

ADHD is rarely diagnosed in infants, but very high activity, intense fussiness, or extreme sleep difficulties may be early temperament signals worth noting.

When to act

Raise concerns at your 6, 9 and 12-month health visitor or paediatric check-ups. Loss of any previously acquired skill is always a reason to seek advice promptly.

1–3 years

Toddlers

Possible signs of autism

Few or no words by 16 months; no two-word phrases by 24 months
Doesn't point to show interest or share enjoyment
Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking, spinning)
Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights or tastes
Lines up toys rather than playing with them; very distressed by small changes

Possible signs of ADHD

Constantly on the go — climbing, running, rarely settling
Very short attention span even for fun activities
Frequent, intense tantrums beyond what's typical for the age
Difficulty waiting, sharing, or taking turns

When to act

Speak to your GP, health visitor, or paediatrician and ask for a referral to a community paediatrician.

3–5 years

Preschool

Possible signs of autism

Difficulty playing pretend or joining other children's play
Unusual speech patterns — repeating phrases (echolalia), flat tone, scripted language
Intense, narrow interests in specific topics or objects
Struggles with transitions and unexpected changes
May not respond to facial expressions or understand other children's feelings

Possible signs of ADHD

Can't sit still for stories, meals, or circle time
Acts before thinking — runs into the road, climbs unsafely
Quickly bored, jumps from one activity to another
Difficulty following 2-step instructions ('put on your shoes and get your bag')

When to act

If concerns continue, ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist, or your local NHS Children's Community Services.

6–11 years

Primary School

Possible signs of autism

Struggles with friendships, group play, and unwritten social rules
Very literal understanding of language; misses jokes or sarcasm
Strong need for routine; meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed
Deep, encyclopaedic interests in specific subjects
Sensory sensitivities affect school uniform, lunch, classroom noise

Possible signs of ADHD

Inattentive type: daydreams, loses items, doesn't finish work, careless mistakes
Hyperactive/impulsive type: blurts out answers, can't stay seated, interrupts
Homework battles disproportionate to the amount of work
Teachers report inconsistency — capable one day, lost the next

When to act

Ask school for a SENCO meeting. Bring a written list of examples from home and school. Your GP or paediatrician can refer for an ADOS, ADI-R or Conners assessment.

12+ years

Teenagers

Possible signs of autism

Social exhaustion and burnout, especially after school
Masking — copying others to fit in, then collapsing at home
Anxiety, low mood, or eating difficulties often appear first
Difficulty with executive function: planning, organising, starting tasks
Girls and gender-diverse teens are often missed — signs can be subtler

Possible signs of ADHD

Disorganised — missed deadlines, lost coursework, chaotic bag/room
Emotional dysregulation: quick frustration, rejection sensitivity
Risky impulsive choices (driving, substances, spending)
Sleep problems and difficulty getting going in the morning

When to act

Teen-aged diagnosis is common and valid. Self-report matters — involve your teenager in the conversation. NHS Right to Choose can speed up referrals.

A note on sources. Information on this page is summarised from the NHS, NICE, and WebMD. Scoutt is a parent-support community and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment.

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