Your toddler still is not speaking in two-word phrases while their cousin the same age chatters constantly. Or your four-year-old struggles with tasks that seem to come naturally to other children their age.
Noticing that your child might be developing differently from their peers can bring up a mix of emotions. The key is knowing what steps to take next, and understanding that early support can make a genuine difference.
What Is a Developmental Delay?
A developmental delay, sometimes called global developmental delay (GDD), is when a child takes longer than other children to reach milestones in at least two major areas of development. According to Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, these areas are talking, moving, socialising, and learning.
GDD is linked to how the brain develops and can be caused by a wide range of factors, including genetics, birth complications, or a child’s environment. It may appear on its own or alongside another condition, such as autism, Down’s syndrome, or cerebral palsy. It is not caused by bad parenting, and it is not about effort.
What Are the Signs to Look Out For?
Every child develops at their own pace, and milestones are a guide rather than a strict rule. That said, it may be worth paying closer attention if your child:
These signs do not automatically mean your child is autistic, but they do suggest it is worth exploring further.
Could This Be Linked to Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong condition affecting how a person communicates, behaves, and experiences the world. According to the NHS, signs of autism might be noticed at a very young age, or not until later in life, and every autistic child shows a different combination of traits.
In young children, the NHS notes that autism may show up as starting to speak later than other children, not responding to their name, using eye contact less often, enjoying repetitive actions, or being upset by changes to routine or environment. Autism can also look different in girls, who are more likely to mask their traits by copying how other children behave, which can make signs harder to spot.
Who Can Help You Work Out What Is Going On?
Several professionals may be involved, depending on what your child needs.
| Professional | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Health visitor | A qualified nurse who monitors a child’s development from birth to age five, and is often the first point of contact for concerns |
| GP | Your family doctor, who can discuss your concerns and refer your child for a specialist assessment if needed |
| Paediatrician | A doctor who specialises in children’s health and development, often involved in diagnosing developmental delay or autism |
| Speech and language therapist | A specialist who assesses and supports communication, language, and swallowing difficulties |
| Educational psychologist | A specialist who assesses how a child learns and can support the school in putting the right provision in place |
What Are Your First Steps?
Start by talking to your health visitor or GP about what you are noticing. They can observe your child’s development and refer you for a specialist assessment if needed. It is worth documenting specific behaviours, missed milestones, or patterns you have noticed, since this helps professionals build a clearer picture and can speed up the process.
Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and healthcare professionals would rather you raise concerns early than wait to see if things resolve on their own.
What Happens at a Professional Assessment?
If your GP or health visitor agrees there are concerns, they can refer you for a developmental assessment. Depending on what is being explored, this might involve a paediatrician, a speech and language therapist, an educational psychologist, or an autism assessment team. Private assessment is also an option if you would prefer to avoid NHS waiting times or need answers more quickly.
How Can You Support Your Child While You Wait?
Waiting for an appointment can feel difficult, but there are things you can do in the meantime:
What Are Your Options?
If you are concerned about your child’s development and wondering whether autism might be a factor, KPI:Access is a healthcare connector service that links families with qualified specialists who carry out autism assessments for children in London and Croydon. No GP referral is needed, and appointments can often be arranged within days. Specialists work to the same standards set by NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
KPI:Access is part of KPI:Health, a wider healthcare group that has connected over 300,000 people with assessments and treatments across the UK, with 99.2% rating their experience as good or very good.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are concerned about your child’s development and want to explore next steps, our team is here to help. Book an appointment or learn more about autism assessments for children through KPI:Access.
