Who does autism affect? Autism spectrum disorders cut across all lines of race, class, and ethnicity. Autism impacts millions of children, adults, and their families around the world. Boys have a significantly higher incidence of autism than girls: four out of every five people with autism are male. Because of the genetic link, siblings of a child with autism have a greater chance of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorders affect not only the person diagnosed with the disorder, but also make a significant impact on the entire family with a variety of social, financial, and other practical demands. What is autism? The word “autism” often evokes an image of a person with the most severe symptoms of the disorder; however, autism is an umbrella term for a wide range of disorders. Clinically, they may be referred to as “Pervasive Developmental Disorders” (PDDs) or “Autism Spectrum Disorders.” The term “spectrum” is crucial to understanding autism, because of the wide range of intensity, symptoms and behaviors, types of disorders, and as always, considerable individual variation. Children with autism spectrum disorders may be non-verbal and asocial, as in the case of many with “classic” autism, or Autistic Disorder. On the other end of the spectrum are children with a high-functioning form of autism characterised by idiosyncratic social skills and play, such as Asperger Syndrome. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), these diagnostic categories are outlined under the heading of “Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs).” In the DSM-IV, these disorders are defined by deficits in three core areas: social skills, communication, and behaviors and/or interests. When is autism usually diagnosed? The First Signs of autism most often present themselves before the age of three. However, 15 to 18 months is the time parents first notice loss of skills or delays in development. There are several red flags that present ans these can include: The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk of atypical development. If you are concerned for your child's development, you should seek the guidance of your local doctor or pedeatrician. A parent's concerns should always be treated with the utmost respect and nobody knows your child better then you do: Whilst there are no medical tests available for ASD, there are a number of behaviours and symptoms that are often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. Your child may have already been evaluated and lost some of these skills in the case of regressive autism disorders. Social/Communication: If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:
Autism is characterised by what is clinically described as “deficits in social reciprocity.” Social reciprocity may include a range of back-and-forth actions, such as gestures, sounds, play, attention, and conversation. Further, ritualistic and obsessive behaviors are often present: for example, a child may insist on lining up toys rather than playing with them. In addition, a child with an autism spectrum disorder may have uncontrollable temper tantrums, an extreme resistance to change, and over- or under-sensitivity to sights and sounds. The signs may be obvious, or subtle: for example, a three year old child can read, but can’t play peek-a-boo. Another child may never utter a spoken word, but rather uses pictures or signing to be understood. The symptoms are varied, but one thing is clear: the earlier a child is diagnosed and begins receiving services, the better the prognosis for the child. Where can a parent of a child with autism go for help? Help for a child with autism begins at your doctor or pedeatrician’s office, with a referral to Early Intervention, specialists, and other services that may be of assistance. At all stages of the process, from screening and diagnosis to making decisions about educational and treatment options, parents may benefit from an array of support groups, advocacy groups, and other organisations. These groups can provide a firm base for parent education and action. Information on these gruops in your area can be obtained from local council who usually have a directory to disability servicesin your area, as well as your Early Intervention provider. If your child attends nursery, they also have links to local services and are probably aware of other children and parents in the area with similair needs. Also, see our Bulletin Board for discusion regarding specific problems and concerns - or just to have a chat! Why does a child have autism? At this point in time, autism has no known cause or cure. Today, many parents and physicians are working together to advocate for increased funding of autism research. How can I ensure the best developmental outcome for a child with autism? Children with autism will have the best developmental outcome through early identification as well as early, intensive, and appropriate intervention. Parents can help promote a healthy developmental pathway for a child with autism in much the same way as for a typically-developing child: by being a loving, active, and involved caregiver, and by working creatively with each child’s unique challenges and opportunities. There are a range of therapies available and parents often have to weigh up the individual symptoms of their child to assess what is right for them, their child and their circumstances. see our Treatments information page for further details. |