Chi ldren’s Hea lth Obsession/high interest One characteristic of ASD is having a ‘special interest,’ which is often recognised as an obsession. This may be based on a particular activity, such as cards, playing music, computers, art or reading, or a certain person or preference. The latter may concern a particular arrangement of items (like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) or extreme personal hygiene. Periods of severe obsession commonly coincide with the events, level of stress and insecurity that occur in people’s lives. Obsessive behaviour is considered anti-social, and has been described by adults with ASD as debilitating and detrimental to their employment and relationships. Obsession or intense interest may manifest in behaviours such as hoarding, grudges against or extreme praise for certain people, rigid routine or counting objects or spatial measurements. Diagnosis ASD is commonly diagnosed after an adult family member or teacher has noticed symptoms in the child’s behaviour. Through observation and speaking with the child, their family and close others (teachers, babysitters), information is used to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Standardised questionnaires and activities are administered to detect characteristics and establish to what extent the child is affected by ASD. This is usually carried out during childhood, however, assessments can be undertaken at any age. There is no single behaviour that indicates ASD and diagnosis is always performed by developmental paediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists with experience and training specifically in this area. Managing ASD There is no single treatment program that can be administered for all children or adults living with autism. It is, however, important that managing ASD begins as early as possible in childhood and that all aspects of behaviour are given attention. Once a treatment program is established, it should be available and known to all the adults and caregivers in the child’s life, including teachers, babysitters, health professionals and family members. Early intervention focuses on reducing problem behaviour, such as tantrums, interrupting and violence, and encouraging positive behaviour. Medication is used in some cases to improve attention span and minimise unsocial behaviour. Their extended use, however, is often contentious for both families and medical professionals, as they have presented various damaging side effects in a number of cases around the world. Psychological treatment has shown to have a significant impact on children and adults’ ability to function in normal-day life. There are some people with ASD that require lifelong care and assistance, whereas others with high-functioning ASD are able to work, socialise and manage their lives independently. The earlier the intervention in childhood, and the higher level of education undertaken by the individual, the greater the chances are of maintaining a functional life. Autism in Australia A study conducted by the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2007 concluded that one in 160 Australian children between six and 12 years old had ASD; this was around 10,000 children in that age group. More recent studies (2012) have suggested that that figure may i n fact be higher, with around one in 100 children in that age bracket to be living with ASD. Currently ASD is more prevalent than cerebral palsy, diabetes, blindness, deafness and leukaemia in Australia combined. As recorded in 2012, males are four times more likely to have ASD than females in Australia. This is also true for overseas populations. Prevalence of ASD has shown to peak around the ages between five and nine, after which there is a dramatic decline. There are a number of factors that could explain this, including diagnosis methods, changing treatment and education strategies and national survey approaches. pm Resources • www.autismspeaks.org • www.austismspectrum.org.au (Aspect) • www.goblueforautism.com.au • www.autismqld.com.au • www.autismadvisoryboard.org.au (Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders) 42 Pindara Magazine Autumn 2015
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four
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