autism sepectrum disorder
What is Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is defined as a condition where an individual experiences
- difficulties in social communication and
- may show restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, such as motor mannerisms,
- insistence on routine,
- sensory sensitivity and
- obsessive or unusual interest.
What causes autism
The exact causes of autism are still not yet fully understood.
There is not one single explanation for autism.
There is strong evidence to suggest that autism arises through a variety of factors, all of which influence brain development and function.
This can include genetic factors, environmental factors and hormonal and biochemical factors.
Assessment of Autism
Assessment of Autism
The assessment of autism tends to be conducted at child development centres or by child and adolescent mental health services by professionals such as
- paediatricians,
- psychologists,
- speech and language therapists or
- psychiatrists.
Autism Diagnosis
How is autism normally supported
Getting a diagnosis for a child can be helpful, as it enables parents, as well as others, to understand and support the child better.
Diagnostic assessment can also help to clarify if a child requires any extra support or resources for their additional needs.
Support from voluntary organizations and opportunities to meet parents of childre
Getting a diagnosis for a child can be helpful, as it enables parents, as well as others, to understand and support the child better.
Diagnostic assessment can also help to clarify if a child requires any extra support or resources for their additional needs.
Support from voluntary organizations and opportunities to meet parents of children with similar challenges can also be a source of great support.
How is autism normally supported
How is autism normally supported
Everybody is different and different children need different things to help them, but after your child is diagnosed with autism, some of the following might be helpful.
Talking to school -
SENCo,
autism advisory or
outreach teachers
Attending a post diagnosis group for parents - most areas run post diagnosis groups for parents of children
Everybody is different and different children need different things to help them, but after your child is diagnosed with autism, some of the following might be helpful.
Talking to school -
SENCo,
autism advisory or
outreach teachers
Attending a post diagnosis group for parents - most areas run post diagnosis groups for parents of children who have been diagnosed with autism.
Build knowledge & access different resources - it might be that you would like to find out more about other people's experiences of autism and approaches to supporting children as they grow older.
There is no known specific medical intervention for autism.
However, there have been many useful approaches and programs developed to help the child with specific difficulties which may be impacting on their quality of life or which may be in the way of their optimal development.
Autistic children can be very effectively supported through
There is no known specific medical intervention for autism.
However, there have been many useful approaches and programs developed to help the child with specific difficulties which may be impacting on their quality of life or which may be in the way of their optimal development.
Autistic children can be very effectively supported through people around them having an increased understanding of their condition, their support needs and their unique profile of their strengths and difficulties.
What to expect as your child grows up
Autism affects every child in a different way.
Autistic people can live happy, healthy and successful lives. Aiming for a life that suits the individual person is most important, according to their own interests, values, needs, likes and dislikes, and abilities.
When children are young it can be difficult to predict precisely how they will develop as they get older.
However we do know
Autistic people can live happy, healthy and successful lives. Aiming for a life that suits the individual person is most important, according to their own interests, values, needs, likes and dislikes, and abilities.
When children are young it can be difficult to predict precisely how they will develop as they get older.
However we do know that understanding, support and adjustments to the environment can make a huge difference, at home, at school and in the community. Some autistic people need lots of support, while others need less.
Times in life when an autistic person may experience more challenge
There are times in life when an autistic person may experience more challenge, often when there is change or transition, for example,
- going through puberty, or
- transition to secondary school or
- adulthood.
Other difficulties in young autistic children
Other difficulties in young autistic children
It is helpful to be aware that young autistic people are more vulnerable to developing other difficulties, such as
- anxiety,
- depression,
- sleep difficulties or
- behavioural problems.
These conditions are treatable, so it is important to seek professional advice if concerns arise.