Autism spectrum disorder
Autism; Asperger; Aspergers; syndrome; Spectrum; Disorders; Developmental; savant; communication; behaviour; socialisation; genetic; disability ;
Contents
The term 'Autism Spectrum Disorders' refers to a group of disabilities that affect a child's development. The most well-known Autism Spectrum Disorders are autism and Asperger syndrome. When children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, they have trouble with communication and social skills and they have particular repetitive behaviours.
Early intervention programs and special education programs can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Parent support groups can also help families living with autism and Asperger syndrome.
What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Autism Spectrum Disorders are a range of disorders that affect a child's
- communication
- social skills
- behaviour.
- The most well-known types of Autism Spectrum Disorders are autism and Asperger syndrome.
- Other types of Autism Spectrum Disorder include atypical autism and non-verbal learning difficulties.
- The term 'autism spectrum' means that children will vary in the pattern of problems they have.
Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- There is no one cause for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The causes can be different in different people.
- Researchers are looking at several possible causes. These include a combination of genetic factors, viral infection, complications during pregnancy and chemical imbalances in the brain.
- Many researchers are studying different parts of the brain that they know are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis for an Autism Spectrum Disorder is based on a child's behaviour and development. There are no easy medical tests to prove that a child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (including autism or Asperger syndrome). However, there are a number of recognised standards that are used in many countries to help professionals decide about a diagnosis.
Usually, a diagnosis is made by a multidisciplinary team. This is a group of people who have different professional backgrounds. People who diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders can include a:
- paediatrician
- speech pathologist
- psychologist
- psychiatrist.
Usually, two of these professionals are required to be involved in the diagnosis. These people should be experienced in recognising Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disorders. (For more information on the criteria for diagnosis, see the topics on Autism and Asperger Syndrome.)
What you can do
If you think that your child is having problems with development, see your doctor, community health nurse or staff at your local community health centre. They can help you decide what is the best plan for you and your child.
These professionals may send you to see a paediatrician, speech pathologist, occupational therapist or psychologist. You may also be referred to a specialist assessment centre.
Resources
South Australia
For a more comprehensive list of resources in South Australia, and special education resources, see the topic Autism spectrum disorder - Resources.
Prepared in collaboration with
Department of Education, Training and Employment
Ministerial Advisory Committee on Students with Disabilities
References and further reading
Attwood, Tony, 'Why does Chris do that?', National Autistic Society, London, 1993.
Baron-Cohen, Simon, 'Autism: The facts', Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1993.
Clifton, Deirdre & Dodd, Susan, 'Early play program', Autistic Association of New South Wales, Forrestville, NSW, (no date).
Dodd, Susan, 'Managing problem behaviours: A practical guide for parents and teachers of young children with special needs', MacLennan and Petty, Sydney, 1994.
Grandin, Temple, 'Emergence: Labelled autistic', Arena Press, Novato, USA, 1986.
Grandin, Temple, 'Thinking in pictures: and other reports from my life with autism', Vintage, New York, 1996.
Quill, Kathleen Ann, 'Teaching children with autism: Strategies to enhance communication and socialization', Delmar, Melbourne, 1995.
Sacks, Oliver, 'An Anthropologist from Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales', Knoft, New York, 1995.
Autism Information Center (USA)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/
Many books about autism, aspergers syndrome and autism spectrum disorders are available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/index.php/cat/autism
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.