Autism: A special child.

Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. People from all nationalities and cultural, religious and social backgrounds can be autistic, although it appears to affect more men than women.

Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. Autism is a spectrum condition and there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. With the right sort of support, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.

There is no 'cure' for autism. However, there is a range of strategies and approaches - methods of enabling learning and development - which people may find to be helpful.

Signs of autism

• Possible signs of autism in babies and toddlers:

• By 6 months, no social smiles or other warm, joyful expressions directed at people
• By 6 months, limited or no eye contact
• By 12 months, no babbling
• By 12 months, no use of gestures to communicate (e.g. pointing, reaching, waving etc.
• By 16 months, no words
• By 24 months, no meaningful, two-word phrases
• Any loss of any previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills

• Possible signs of autism at any age:

• Avoids eye contact and prefers to be alone
• Struggles with understanding other people’s feelings
• Remains nonverbal or has delayed language development
• Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Gets upset by minor changes in routine or surroundings
• Has highly restricted interests
• Performs repetitive behaviors such as flapping, rocking or spinning
• Has unusual and often intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
  

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is the formal identification of autism, usually by a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team, often including a speech and language therapist, paediatrician, psychiatrist and/or psychologist.

Getting a timely and thorough assessment and diagnosis may be helpful because:

• it helps autistic people (and their families, partners, employers, colleagues, teachers and friends) to understand why they may experience certain difficulties and what they can do about them
• it allows people to access services and support.
  

What causes autism?

The exact cause of autism is still being investigated. Research into causes suggests that a combination of factors - genetic and environmental - may account for differences in development. Autism is not caused by a person's upbringing, their social circumstances and is not the fault of the individual with the condition.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, early intervention is important. Learning the signs, examining your child’s developmental milestones and getting an evaluation and treatment as early as possible can make a lifetime of difference