What is Autism?
Autistic Spectrum Disorder, or autism, is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects the development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication and is marked by severe difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with people, in developing language and in using abstract concepts. Characteristics include repetitive and limited patterns of behaviour and obsessive resistance to tiny changes in familiar surroundings or routines. Autism is often referred to as the ‘hidden’ disability because people who are on the autistic spectrum show no significant physical difference to their peers, rather it is their behaviours that mark them out as different. The 3 main areas of difficulty for people with autism are referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’
· Social communication
· Social interaction
· Social imagination
Although not included in the triad of impairments, there is a fourth area which has been identified as presenting people with autism with significant difficulties and that is the area of sensory processing. Sensory processing difficulties are indicated by either a hyper or hypo-sensitivity across any or all of the 5 senses.
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome (AS) is part of the autistic spectrum and shares some of the same characteristics as autism. Generally people with AS have an IQ within the normal range but may have poor social and communication skills. Common characteristics can be a lack of empathy, little ability to form relationships, one-sided conversations and an intense absorption with a special interest. Sometimes movements can be clumsy and people with AS are oftendescribed as accident prone.
What are the signs that someone may have autistic spectrum disorder?
The first signs of autism usually appear as developmental delays before the age of 3. Autism is described as a ‘spectrum’ disorder. This means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and can range from mild to severe. Two children with the same diagnosis can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.
Generally if a child has delayed speech and communication skills, rigid and repetitive routines, difficulty with feeding and toileting and appears to have no concept of danger and/or a very high pain threshold they should be seen by a diagnostic team. More details can be found on the information sheet Characteristics of autism.
How many people in Ireland have autistic spectrum disorder?
Unfortunately to date there are no statistics for the number of people with autistic spectrum disorder in Ireland. What we do know is that the numbers of those diagnosed with autism is rising. In a recent briefing the National Autistic Society in the UK confirmed that the condition now affects over half a million people in the UK – that’s 1 in 100¹ and there is no reason to believe that incidence in Ireland is any different. Although it is widely maintained that the increase in incidence can, in part, be attributed to better diagnostic procedures, it is apparent that the condition itself is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide.
What causes autistic spectrum disorder?
Research into autism and genetics has shown autism is genetically pre- determined however research is on-going to determine to what degree environmental ‘triggers’ may be involved in the increase in incidence. What we do know, in Ireland, is that the number of young children coming into the system each year is significantly greater than in the past and that the demand for services to meet the needs of this special population will continue to grow.
Is there are cure for autistic spectrum disorder?
Autism is a life-long condition and there are no ‘cures’. However, there are many interventions which can help people with autism develop skills. Typically speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and educational interventions have helped many people with autism develop their potential.
Can people with autistic spectrum disorder go on to live full and independent lives?
Some people with autistic spectrum disorder, typically those at the milder end of the spectrum or with asperger syndrome will be able to go to 3rd level education or have jobs and live independent lives. Others need help to do this and options such as supported living or employment are needed. Others on the spectrum will always need to have full time support but with trained helpers and quality interventions can live a full life.
Characteristics of autism
It is important to understand that no single behaviour is indicative of autism, nor will a child show all the behaviours listed. The significant factor is a pattern of behaviours. Some of the behaviours may be intense whilst others are relatively mild. Some of the behaviours that indicate autism are seen at specific times in a typically developing child. The significant difference in autism is the intensity of the behaviour and the persistence of the behaviour beyond the normal developmental time - frame.
Language/Communication
· Has flat or limited facial expressions
· Does not use gestures
· Rarely initiates conversation
· Fails to imitate actions or sounds
· May have little or no speech or may be quite verbal
· Repeats or echoes words and/or phrases
· Uses unusual intonation or rhythm
· Seems not to understand word meanings or understand implied meaning but uses words literally
Social Interaction
· Spends time alone rather than with others
· Less responsive to social cues such as eye contact or smiles
· Seeks social contact in unusual ways
· Uses an adults hand as a tool
Play
· Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
· Does not imitate others actions
· Is very attached to certain toys or objects and plays with them in an unusual way
· Does not play turn-taking games
· Play is repetitive
Behaviour
· Is upset by and resists change to routines or environment
· Drifts aimlessly
· Exhibits strong and inflexible interests
· Throws tantrums for no apparent reason
· May he over/hyperactive or passive
Sensory Impairment
· Sometimes appears deaf
· Exhibits panic or pain related to specific sounds
· Plays with light and reflection
· Flicks fingers before eyes
· Pulls away when touched
· Strongly avoids certain smells, foods, clothes etc
· Is attracted to certain patterns/textures/odours.
· May spin, whirl, bang head or torso, bite wrist or hand, bounces or jumps, climbs
· Exhibits unusual or non response to pain, heat or cold
· Toileting problems
What can I do if I am concerned about a child?
Many of the above behaviours can be displayed by typically developing children at certain points in their development and the fact that a child may display some of these behaviours does not mean that they have autism. However, if you have concerns you can arrange for an assessment for your child. Autism can only be diagnosed by a trained diagnostic team usually comprising a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, a Speech and Language Therapist and an Occupational Therapist, using internationally recognised diagnostic tools.
For more information visit our website www.autismireland.ie
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/irishautism
Irish Autism Action, 41 Newlands, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Phone: 044 93 31609 Fax: 044 93 31609 E-mail: kevin@autismireland.ie Web: www.autismireland.ie
Patron: Keith Duffy, People of the Year Awards, 2008 Winner
