Chi ldren’s Hea lth Exploring the Spectrum Autism in Australia Autism, otherwise known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as defined by Autism Spectrum Australia, is a “lifelong developmental disability characterised by impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.” It affects over 115,000 people in Australia. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Prior to its formal medical establishment, autism was often misdiagnosed as childhood schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder. Although the specific cause of the condition is still unknown, we have come a long way in terms of its research, diagnosis and management. Autism not only affects the diagnosed individual, it also presents a number of social, emotional and financial challenges for families, partners, friends, and especially parents of autistic children. There are a number of different disorders that are now referred to as autism spectrum disorders, which include autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise defined (PDD-NOS), Asperger’s syndrome and sometimes Rett’s disorder and childhood integrative disorder. The ‘spectrum’ concept represents the wide range of challenges that people with ASD may experience and the extent to which they are affected. Symptoms in children Behaviour • Inexplicable tantrums • Unusual or highly obsessive interests and attachments • Difficulty coping with change • Stereotyped or repetitive body movements • Learning or intellectual difficulties Sensory • Fear of or extreme sensitivity to everyday sounds • Use of peripheral vision to look at things • Fascination with moving objects • High tolerance of temperature or pain Social • Looks away when communicating • Lack of interest in others • Often in his/her ‘own world’ • Fails to answer to name • Children prefer to play alone and with certain toys Communication • Not pointing or waving by 12 months • Loss of and difficulty with everyday words • No speech by 18 months • Selective hearing • Unusual language patterns (repetitive speech) pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 41
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four
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