Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and continues across the lifespan.
Children with ASD demonstrate delays and differences across two main areas of functioning:
- interacting and communicating socially
with others
- displaying behaviours or interests that are restricted, repetitive or fixated.
Some children with ASD display many of the signs across these two areas of difficulty, whereas others display only a few. As children with ASD grow older, the signs may change but the major areas of difference remain the same. In addition, about 65 per cent of children with ASD have an intellectual disability, and a small percentage demonstrate above average intelligence.
The needs of children with ASD therefore vary enormously; some require high levels of support, lifelong care and supervision, while others grow up to be independent adults.
Research suggests that ASD affects around 1 in 100 people. ASD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls - at a rate of four to one, though research suggests girls may be under-diagnosed.
ASD affects each child differently, but all children can be helped through appropriate intervention.
In ASD, social differences revolve around the give-and-take of normal social interactions, non-verbal social communication, and skills in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships.
Communication skills can vary greatly between children with ASD; some children may have little if any speech, while others may have well-developed language skills. However, those that do have language skills often find it difficult to communicate effectively. They may say odd or inappropriate things, make blunt or impolite comments, talk about a specific topic for long periods of time with no awareness that others have lost interest, or say things that are not relevant to the current conversation.
Differences with non-verbal communication include difficulty in making and maintaining eye contact and understanding non-verbal communication of others such as facial expressions and hand gestures such as pointing.
Some people with ASD seem quite aloof or detached from others, but this is not the case for all people with ASD, with some being quite affectionate and fond of company. People with ASD do often tune out when others are talking to them, or appear not to listen, especially when the conversation does not involve their favourite topic of interest.
Behaviour and interests
People with ASD can have a very narrow or unusual set of interests, or they may play in a repetitive way. They may know everything about a certain topic and talk about it constantly, want to watch the same television show over and over, or focus their play on a single toy.
They often show limited imaginative play but may use toys and other objects in unusual ways, such as lining up objects, focusing on the spin on the wheel of a toy car, or watching the light shine off various things. Some children with ASD engage in unusual behaviours, such as hand-flapping or rocking, which is usually a sign of excitement or agitation. Many experience difficulties coping with change but do better when they are prepared ahead of time for changes in routine.
Research shows that treatments focusing on changing behaviour and improving skills produce the best results for children with ASD.
These approaches address multiple problems common to ASD such as delays and differences in language, social skills, communication, cognitive functioning and play.
Most interventions focus on increasing desirable behaviours and decreasing undesirable behaviours, and improving social behaviours, communication, play skills, coping skills and connection with others.
In each of these approaches, parents and carers have a central role in intervention. If your child receives intervention, you would be involved in therapy sessions to learn ways of practising skills at home with your child. Psychologists and other health professionals in your team can also work with your child’s educators to develop consistent ways of supporting learning and behaviour at home, preschool or school.
As early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes, it is important to seek help early and follow up on recommendations made by the health professionals in your team.
If you are concerned about your child’s development our Psychologists are trained and qualified professionals, skilled in diagnosing and treating a range of developmental issues, including ASD. Our psychologists can help you as a parent to develop your child’s social and communication skills