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Main article 628 words
Sidebar 231 words
Does your child look away when you speak to them or not return
your smile? Do they have unusual interests, attachments or
display unco-operative behaviour?
“These may be some early indicators of an Autism Spectrum
Disorder,” says Adrian Ford, Chief Executive Officer
of the Autism Association of NSW.
“Current international research puts the prevalence
of Autism Spectrum Disorders at 65 per 10,000 population.
Such research is yet to be undertaken in Australia but the
Association’s experience suggests this is the case.
In New South Wales, this would translate to an estimated 43,000
people on the spectrum, 3,300 of whom are aged 0 – 5
years and 7,700 of whom are school aged.”
The term ‘Autism Spectrum Disorders’ (more commonly
referred to as ‘autism’) is an umbrella description
which includes Autistic Disorder (sometimes called infantile
autism or childhood autism), Asperger’s Disorder and
Atypical autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong disabilities
that affect the way a person communicates and relates to other
people and the world around them. People affected by autism
typically display major impairments in three areas:
- Social interaction
- Communication
- Behaviour (restricted interests and repetitive behaviours)
“It is not a mental illness and it is not caused by
trauma or poor parenting,” says Mr Ford.
”There is no single known cause, although recent research
has identified strong evidence of a genetic factor for many
people. For some individuals, however, there may be evidence
of damage or developmental abnormalities in the brain occurring
before, during or soon after birth.
“Autism also affects four times as many males as females.”
The Autism Society of America estimates autism is the fastest
growing developmental disability in the US with an annual
growth rate of between 10 and 17%. In the UK and in Australia,
paediatricians, teachers and others are reporting a sharp
rise in school age children with ASDs – however this
anecdotal evidence is unsupported by statistics as current
data collection is inadequate.
People with autism vary enormously. Its effects may be mild
or severe. Not every characteristic is evident in every person,
and different features of autism may be displayed in different
contexts.
“Most autism sufferers require life-long care,”
says Mr Ford. “We at the Autism Association of NSW use
the statement “Autism affects One in 100 Australians”
as an indicator of the impact of autism on all family members.
“However early diagnosis and treatment aimed at teaching
the child skills to transition into mainstream society can
often greatly minimise its effects.”
Although autism is almost always present at birth it often
becomes evident only at age two or three. Sometimes, it takes
an outsider to notice that something is not right.
Psychologist Anthony Warren, Director of Outreach & Consultancy
at the Autism Association of NSW advises parents to watch
closely for the early indicators of autism.
Mr Warren said: “If you suspect something is wrong,
be persistent. Ask for an assessment by a paediatrician or
for referral to the child development unit at your local hospital.
Or contact your local community health centre.”
Waiting lists for services, including government-funded services,
from diagnosis to speech pathology to early intervention programs
can be long.
“From parents’ first concerns to diagnosis can
take a year or longer,” warned Mr Warren. “For
those with milder symptoms, expect provisional diagnosis when
the child is less than 3½ years of age. Assessment
can be an ongoing process; provisional diagnosis enables access
to services and support.”
“Concerns about your child’s communication and
language development should be referred to a Speech Pathologist.
Also, contact us for parent information courses. Half day
courses at the Association, for example, start at $44.”
The earlier problems are investigated, the earlier ASDs can
be identified. Indeed, the biggest hurdle is often getting
into the system.
SIDEBAR: (230 words)
Red Flags of Autism
No single ‘Red Flag’ necessarily signals autism.
However, talk to your GP about referral to a pediatrician
for assessment if your child presents with one or more indicators
under several categories.
Communication
Not responding to his/her name by 12 months
Not pointing or waving by 12 months
Loss of words previously used
Speech absent at 18 months
Suspected hearing loss
No spontaneous phrases by 24 months
Selective hearing, responding to certain sounds such as a
siren or advert on TV, but ignoring the human voice
Social Skills
Looks away when you speak to him/her
Does not return parent’s smile
Lack of interest in other children
Often seems to be in his/her own world
Is unable to follow simple instructions such as “Give
me your shoes”
Behaviour
Has inexplicable tantrums
Has unusual interests or attachments
Has unusual motor movement, e.g. flapping or rocking
Is overactive and uncooperative
Has difficulty coping with change
Afraid of some everyday sounds
Sensory
Uses peripheral vision to look at objects
Eats a very limited range of foods
Preoccupation with certain textures
Walks on tip toes
Play
Prefers to play alone
Very limited social play such as “Peek-a-Boo”
Play is limited to certain toys
Plays with objects in unusual ways such as repetitive spinning
or lining up
For more information, phone the Autism Information Line:
02 8977 8377 or visit www.aspect.org.au and www.firstsigns.org
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