What is Autism?
Autism: Where to Start
Autism is a developmental condition that originates in childhood and is likely to continue into adulthood. Autism begins before the age of three and occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. It is more common, however, in males.
Little is known about the cause of autism, but some factors have been identified that may make a child more likely to develop autism. These are environmental, biological and genetic.
Autism is characterised by a number of behaviours and differences. People with autism may behave, communicate/interact with others and learn in ways that are different to most people. They have difficulties in the areas of language/communication, social awareness, monotropic mindset, information processing, sensory processing, repetitive behaviours and neuro-motor differences.
Common Symptoms of Autism Include
Social Communication and Interaction Skills
Some common signs or symptoms in the area of social communication and interaction skills include:
Avoids or does not keep eye contact
Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
Lack of facial expressions by 9 months of age
Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age
Does not notice others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
Does not join in with play with other children by 36 months of age
Does not role play by 48 months of age
Children with autism can become non-verbal, or they can be fully verbal.
As older children and adults, it can look like:
Difficulty engaging with and maintaining friendships/relationships
Difficulty communicating in social contexts
Differences with pragmatics (appropriate use of language)
Prosody (rhythm) of speech
Difficulty assimilating or adapting to changing environments
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviours or Interests
This can look like:
Lining up toys or other objects
Repeating words/phrases over and over
Playing with toys the same way every time
Can become upset by changes in routine
Has obsessive interests
Hand flapping/body rocking or spinning
Sensitive to certain smells, touch, tastes or sounds
Other Characteristics
Delayed language skills
Delayed movement skills
Delayed learning or cognitive skills
Hyperactive/impulsive or inattentive behaviour
Epilepsy or seizure disorder
Unusual eating or sleeping habits
Gastrointestinal issues
Unusual mood or emotional reactions
Excessive anxiety and worry
Lack of fear or more fear than expected
Effects on body control and movement eg. clumsiness
Why Autism is a Spectrum
The spectrum does not equate to the severity of the condition, which is a common misconception. The spectrum relates to the diverse range (spectrum) of related neurological conditions or abilities. The abilities of people with autism can vary significantly. Some autistic people require more support than others to live their daily lives. Every autistic person presents differently. The saying “if you have met one autistic person, you have met them all” does not stand for this condition. For example, all autistic people will have some type of difficulty with social/communication AND restricted/repetitive behaviours or interests, but to different and varying degrees.
How Autism Affects Daily Life
Autism can affect people’s daily life in different ways - it really depends on the individual and what they have difficulties with. One person could be non-verbal and another person could have an intellectual disability. Some people with autism will never be able to live independently while others can live an independent lifestyle.
How Autism is Diagnosed
In order for someone to be considered autistic, they must have difficulty in multiple categories spanning the spectrum. There is no medical or blood test that can be administered to make a diagnosis. Clinicians (GP’s, Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Paediatricians) look at the child’s (or adult’s) full developmental history and behaviour to make a diagnosis. It often involves more than one specialist, some standardised assessments, behavioural observations and comprehensive interviews.
Difference Not a Deficit
In recent times, the viewpoint that autism is a deficit or disability has been criticised. Many experts are encouraging society to embrace autism as a difference, whilst at the same not underestimating the difficulties this group that experience. The acceptance of difference can go a long way to improving the lived experience of those with autism.
If You Are Concerned
Lachlan at PsychWest is available to assess for and diagnose autism in all ages. Click here to learn more about the assessment packages at PsychWest.
