14/06/2025
Autistic traits often (not always) have a genetic component and this can definitely present a challenge during an autism assessment. We often meet with a parent/parents who are in the process of pursuing their own assessment or self-diagnosis. As they go through the paperwork and reflect on their child’s experiences, parents can begin to notice similarities and connections with their own strengths and challenges, behaviors and experiences.
Sometimes, parents are quite open during the assessment and share that they too may for example, avoid eye contact, have difficulty interpreting subtle facial expressions, enjoyed sorting or lining up toys as children, never engaged in pretend or imaginary play (and even found it silly), or have struggled with friendships and social dynamics throughout their lives.
This process can be a significant emotional journey for families, as it often brings up unexpected reflections and realisations.
Every family’s journey to assessment day is unique. Some parents have noticed autistic traits in their child from a very young age, while others may have only begun the process after observations and information has been shared and raised by family, teachers, caregivers, or other professionals.
