Episode 19

Autism Spectrum Identification in Early Childhood Development (under 5's): Social Communication and Sensory Differences

Published on: 18th February, 2026

This episode explores the Autism Spectrum in early childhood, with a focus on early identification, social attention and communication differences, and sensory processing. 

Learn practical strategies to support regulation and connection at home, plus tips for neurodivergent parenting, language variation, and getting referrals. 

A note: PDA is discussed as one context among others, but the core focus remains on understanding differences and supporting your child.

Key Takeaways:

  • Autism Spectrum in early childhood presents with diverse social attention and communication patterns, including variations in eye contact, joint attention, and language development (spoken, non-speaking, echolalia, hyperlexia).
  • Sensory differences drive behavior: textures, sounds, movement, water, and feeding sensitivities—understanding sensory processing leads to practical regulation strategies.
  • Autism Meltdowns are signals of overwhelm; focus on co-regulation and predictable routines to reduce escalation and support regulation.
  • Early identification and advocacy matter: use strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming language, document signs, and pursue referrals to access appropriate services.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Early Autism Identification Guide/Workbook

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About the Podcast

Attuned Spectrum: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Autism Parenting Support | Low Demand Parenting

Is every day a battle you didn’t sign up for? You’re not failing. Your child isn’t broken. The approach just needs to change.

The Attuned Spectrum Podcast is for parents navigating the complex, exhausting, and often isolating reality of raising a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) autistic child — whether they’re five, fifteen, or twenty-five.

Hosted by Chantal Hewitt — Family Autism Support Coach, experienced educator, late-diagnosed autistic, ADHD and PDA mum of three neurodivergent children including a PDA son — this is the podcast that meets you where you actually are. Not where you’re supposed to be.

Here we move beyond behaviour management and into nervous system safety, low-demand parenting, and connection-first approaches that actually work. We cover school refusal, autistic meltdowns, co-regulation, PDA burnout, and the transition to adulthood that nobody prepares you for.

If you’ve ever Googled “is it me?” at 11pm — this is your place.

New episodes fortnightly. Follow so you never miss one.

About your host

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Chantal Hewitt

Chantal Hewitt is a late-diagnosed autistic, ADHD, and PDA mum, Family Autism Support Coach, and host of The Attuned Spectrum Podcast — one of the world's top PDA Parenting shows. She exists in this space because she needed it first.