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WHAT IS AUTISM?

 

Autism or autistic spectrum disorder is the diagnostic term used to describe a specific type of developmental disorder affecting about one in 300 of the population. Symptoms are far ranging and vary dramatically from case to case.

 

Some children with autism have a low IQ, associated learning difficulties, little or no speech and display challenging behaviour. People at the high end of the spectrum have a variety of the condition called Asperger's syndrome.

 

Those with Asperger's syndrome usually have fewer language problems than those with autism, often speaking fluently, although their words can sometimes be formal and stilted. They are often of average or above average intelligence but may be solitary and emotionally detached.

 

Possible causes of autism

 

Autism is thought to be due to developmental problems occurring in the womb or at birth. Although the cause is unknown, the following have been linked to the condition:

 

• Genetic factors mean that autism occurs more frequently within affected families, and boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls. 
• A link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been suggested, as the symptoms of autism typically appear at 12 to 14 months of age, which is when the first dose of vaccine is usually given. However, extensive research, including evaluation of all children vaccinated so far, has not proved any link and has not shown an increased incidence of autism in children receiving MMR vaccination. 
• There are possible links with a variety of disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis and allergic reactions. . Some hormonal imbalances in pregnancy may affect the brain's development. 
• The pregnant mother may have been exposed to the rubella virus.

Some areas of disability are more marked than others and change with the child's age and general development. The following, however, will be apparent to some degree in most cases:

 

Inability to recognise that other people have thoughts and feelings.

 

• A lack of, or inappropriate, eye contact. 
• Appearing to live in their 'own world'. 
• Objections to physical contact and hypersensitivity to taste, noise, lights and smells.  
• Lateness in reaching developmental milestones. 
• Disturbed behaviour, such as marked aggression, and, in some cases, self-injury. 
• Repetitive behaviours or movements.
• A tendency to become anxious and upset when normal routines are changed. 
• Obsessive hobbies, such as collecting bottle tops or memorising odd facts.  
• Inability to initiate imaginative play - preferring to line up toy cars rather than playing racing cars. 
• Absence of speech, especially in toddlers, or inappropriate use of language. . Poor motor co-ordination.

Diagnosing Autism

 

If your GP suspects that your child may be autistic, he will refer him to a pediatric specialist, who will ask a series of questions which aim to:

 

1.    Provide a detailed history of your child's development. 

2.   Establish that your child is impaired in the three areas of social interaction, Use of imagination and social communication. 

3.   Identify aspects of repetitive stereotypical behaviour. 

4.   Gauge the severity of the condition.

 

What you can do

 

When you take your child to see the specialist, the diagnostic process can be helped by the following:

 

• If health professionals or cafe workers share your concerns, ask that they state. this in writing for the specialist to read. 
• If your child is assessed in a controlled environment, ask if he can be seen in more natural, less structured, surroundings (or take with you a video recording of him at home). This way, autistic behavior will appear more marked which should aid diagnosis. 
• Ask for a written diagnosis. Some specialists claim labeling a child 'autistic' is unhelpful, but it does make it easier for teachers and carers to address your child's needs. 
• Be prepared for the diagnostic process to take time. Many parents say it took longer than two years. 
• Make use of local support groups or charities even before diagnosis. Sharing your fears and expressing your frustration will help you to cope better with the situation.

Treatments and therapies

 

An autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disability. There .is no cure but several training programmes have been devised that can aid development

 

• The Early Bird programme, for pre- school children, teaches parents to recognize and deal with the symptoms of autism. Every aspect of development is addressed, from the fear of change in routine, to potty training and speech difficulties. 
• The Options Programme involves several carers and parents staying with the child for 24 hours a day. They copy the child's behaviour in order to access his 'world', before encouraging him to engage in their world. Unfortunately, this treatment costs £10,000 per child and involves traveling to the United States
• Portage is a home-visiting service for pre-school children with special needs. Based on the principle that parents are the key figures in the care and development of their child, Portage builds on the abilities of the child. 
• An injection of Secretin, a naturally occurring hormone produced in the digestive system, has been promoted as a 'cure' in the United States. But in the only independent double blind study conducted, children injected with a harmless salt-water solution were shown to be no better or worse off than those given Secretin.

EDUCATION  AND  EMPLOYMENT

 

The severity of the condition dictates a child's social and educational needs.

 

• In some cases, especially for those who have Asperger's syndrome, normal school, with specialized teaching back-up, is an option. 
• Children with autism often come across as 'odd', so it is important that teachers are aware of a child's condition, to prevent bullying. 
• In more severe cases, placement at a special school will be necessary. 
• Some children may need help all of their lives, either being cared for by parents or in institutions with staff who are trained to deal with their behavioral problems. 
• With access to developmental training, a good number of ASD sufferers find a place for themselves in society, excelling at jobs requiring little interaction with others, such as computing and data inputting. 
• Many children with Asperger's syndrome enter mainstream school and, with the right support, progress to further education and employment.

 For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.