Neurodevelopmental
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dr Anandarajan provides the paediatric medical assessment for children being investigated for autism spectrum disorder in Belfast and Northern Ireland, working alongside clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is defined as a condition where an individual experiences:
- Difficulties in social communication and interaction
- Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, such as motor mannerisms
- Insistence on routine
- Sensory sensitivity
- Obsessive or unusual interests
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
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
- Psychiatrists
Dr Anandarajan provides the paediatric medical component of the assessment, including comprehensive developmental history, physical and neurodevelopmental examination, and assessment of co-existing medical conditions.
Autism Diagnosis
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 organisations and opportunities to meet parents of children with similar challenges can also be a source of great support.
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 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.
Medical Management
There is no known specific medical intervention for autism.
However, there have been many useful approaches and programmes 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.
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.
Times 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
- Transition to secondary school
- Transition to adulthood
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
- Behavioural problems
These conditions are treatable, so it is important to seek professional advice if concerns arise.
NICE Guideline
The assessment and management of autism in children and young people is guided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline CG128:
Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis
Published: 28 September 2011 · Last updated: 20 December 2017
View NICE guideline CG128Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children
Concerned about your child's development?
Dr Anandarajan offers same-week appointments with no GP referral required. Both Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic locations available.