The earliest stages of development often carry the clearest signals of how a child will experience the world. In this episode of The William Gomes Podcast, William turns his attention to those early patterns in autism that quietly shape attention, communication, prediction, and sensory processing long before formal identification is considered.
Rather than framing early differences as delays to be corrected, the episode explores them as meaningful variations in how autistic children learn, relate, and make sense of their surroundings. William reflects on how differences in attention and prediction influence the way autistic infants engage with people and environments, and how these patterns are often misunderstood when measured against non autistic expectations.
The conversation moves carefully through early communication and sensory experience, showing how strengths and challenges develop together rather than in opposition. These foundations do not fade with age. They continue to influence autistic identity, learning, and emotional life across childhood and into adulthood. By focusing on development rather than deficit, the episode offers a grounded and respectful way of understanding autism from the very beginning.
This is a thoughtful and humane exploration of autism as a natural developmental path. It encourages listeners to replace fear with curiosity, and to recognise the importance of early support that begins with acceptance.
Listen to the Episode
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3t2QvtEcPK6jkhD862YzKO?si=31a9029550ef4d47
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-william-gomes-podcast/id1582677051?i=1000743940306
