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Autism Spectrum Disorders – ASDs – are lifelong developmental conditions characterised by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours. ASDs used to be referred to as “autistic disorder” and “Asperger’s”, or “pervasive developmental disorder”.

 

There is currently no single known cause for ASD; it is not caused by an individual’s upbringing or social circumstances, however there are thought to be neurological and genetic components to ASD.

There is no link between immunisation and ASD.

 

About 1 in 100 children have an ASD, and it is more prevalent in boys than girls.

 

What are the Symptoms?

 

The range and severity of the difficulties people with ASD experience varies widely. No two people with ASD are alike. A general rule is: “If you know one person with autism, you only know one person with autism”.

 

No single sign necessarily indicates a child has an ASD, however a child may present with several of the following:

 

  • Behaviour – inexplicable tantrums, unusual motor movements (flapping hands, toe walking, spinning), difficulty coping with change, obsessive or restrictive interests with favourite toys, topics, places, people or activities.

 

  • Sensory – afraid of some everyday sounds, looks at objects using peripheral vision (side-on), high tolerance of temperature or pain

 

  • Communication – difficulties with language, not responding to their name or pointing and waving by 12 months, speech absent at 18 months, responding to sounds but not the human voice, unusual and repetitive speech patterns, misunderstanding words or interpreting them literally

 

  • Social – looks away when someone is speaking to them, does not return smiles, lacks interest in other children, does not share interests with others, unable to engage in social interactions, appears “aloof”, difficulties with interpreting body language or facial expressions

 

  • Play: prefers to play alone, limited to certain toys, plays with objects in repetitive ways, has difficulty with pretending

 

How is ASD Diagnosed?

 

ASD is diagnosed through assessment using observation, discussions with the child, their family and service providers regarding the child’s strengths and difficulties, with a focus on how the child socialises and communicates. Standardised tests and questionnaires can also be used. It is important to remember that there is no single behaviour or test that can detect ASD.

 

ASD is usually diagnosed in early childhood, however people can be assessed at any age.

 

Developmental paediatricians, speech pathologists, psychiatrists and psychologists with experience with autism assessment can be qualified to make a diagnosis.

 

What to do?

 

If you have concerns, consult your GP or paediatrician, who may refer you to a developmental paediatrician or diagnostic assessment services in your area. A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be the first step in understanding why a child is not achieving developmental milestones or is displaying unusual interests or behaviours. A diagnosis can provide parents or carers with opportunities to introduce management plans that can help their child with communication skills, social interactions and behaviours. In addition, diagnosis of ASD can offer access to government funding entitlements and services.

 

Early diagnosis of an individual’s ASD followed by early intervention (treatment & management strategies) provides the best opportunity for maximising a child’s outcomes. Specialised education and structured support can help with the development of the individual’s skills and opportunities for achievement; however the educational needs of children with ASD varies widely, and some students may be more suited to mainstream programs and services.

 

It can be challenging for families following a diagnosis of an ASD, given the number of treatment decisions options, different service providers, waiting lists, and the desire to help your children as quickly as possible. Parents may need specialised services, such as respite and residential care (child care help), social skills training and living skills training. It can also be valuable for parents to consider joining a support group or participating in counselling. Offering siblings support and information can help them adjust to having a brother or sister with ASD.

 

A collaborative approach is usually taken that can involve some or all or the following professions working together with the child and family:

 

  • General Practitioner (GP)

  • Paediatricians

  • Psychiatrists

  • Psychologists

  • Occupational therapists

  • Speech pathologists

  • Early Intervention specialists

  • Behavioural support specialists

  • Teachers

  • Teachers’ aides

  • Education Consultants

  • Specialist educators

  • Counsellors

 

Useful Links

 

Government financial support may be available for your child and family.

For parents

For siblings

 

 

 

 

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Forbes and Parkes, NSW, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorders

        © 2013 by THE SpICE GIRLS

'Hayley Smith, Hannah Bruhn, Namrata Chikkerur, Jane Yeow, Emilie Lowe & Joanne Hendy'

Speech Pathology Students, Medical Imaging Student & Physiotherapy Students

 

 © 2014 by THE SpICE TEAM

'Hannah Jeffery, Elise Wright, Tayla Watson, Dean Yamak, Kate Nixon'

Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy and Environmental Science students

 

 © 2014 by THE SpICE TEAM

'Priyam Mani, Rosalind Fletcher, Kirby Skulander'

Speech Pathology and Health and Rehabilitation students

 

This website was created by Charles Sturt University students for the Parkes/ Forbes SpICE Project. The information contained here was accurate at the time of publication and should NOT replace the professional advice of qualified Health Professionals.

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