Autism

There is no single known cause of Autism.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder.

Most people with Autism will require varying degrees of support throughout their lives.

With structured support programs sensitive to the needs of each individual, many gains can be made and a meaningful lifestyle can be achieved.

There have been many a theory or various factors which have been claimed to be potential causes include genetic factors (there are strong family links), exposure to viral diseases and infections, physical trauma (eg. Birth injury), metabolic disorders, childhood vaccinations/exposure to heavy metals.

A particularly harmful claim had been bantered about was blaming and shaming in labeling poor parenting skills.  This was one of the more damaging and incorrect theories about the cause of Autism which surfaced in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Let’s be very clear. Poor parenting or lack of love does not cause Autism.

Does it affect more males than females?

The reason why there are more males than females with Autism is not known. However, this high ratio of boys to girls is found in a number of disorders involving language and learning problems. (The current ratio of boys to girls with Autism is approx. 4:1)

Does Autism occur in conjunction with other disabilities?

Autism can occur by itself or in association with other disorders such as intellectual disability, learning disability, epilepsy, fragile-x syndrome and others.

What is the difference between Autism and Intellectual Disability?

Most people with an intellectual disability show relatively even skill development.

Individuals with Autism typically show uneven skill development. They have strengths in some areas, especially visual tasks and difficulties in other areas such as problem solving. Regardless of their level of intellectual functioning, problems with social awareness and understanding persist in people with Autism.

What are the major differences in language development between Non-Autistic intellectually disabled persons and Autistic persons?

People with intellectual disabilities tend to have delayed language whilst the language of people with Autism tends to be both delayed and disordered.

Many have immediate or delayed echolalia (repetition of words or phrases). There is confusion over the use of pronouns and a tendency to interpret words literally.

Can children with Autism be taught to speak?

Communication skills, including speech, can be taught using signing, symbols, printed word, photos, verbal communication, picture exchange systems or any combination of these.

An increasing number of children with Autism are developing some communication skills (it is important to remember that all Autistic children are different and while many may learn to speak well, there is a small proportion of those who remain non-verbal).

Can medication be useful for individuals with Autism?

Medication has no specific role in treating Autism and is not used in a curative sense. Some people with Autism may exhibit severe behaviour patterns or high levels of anxiety, develop epilepsy or become depressed. In such cases medication (such as Ritalin etc.) may play a role in the treatment of these specific conditions and should be prescribed by a practitioner familiar with Autism.

Other “therapies/interventions” commonly used includes ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), Dietary changes (eg. removal of gluten and dairy, addition of supplements), Chelation Therapies, Massage Therapy and Sensory Strategies.

It is important to remember that every Autistic person is different and while we cannot endorse the use of any of the above treatments, many of them have been tried by parents with varying degrees of success

It ranges largely depending on location and accessibility to a variety of services in your surrounding areas.

The information provided is by the Coffs Coast Autism and for example, on the Coffs Coast the services currently available include the Early Childhood Intervention Centre, Early Intervention Support Class, Individual Teachers Aides at school age, Support Classes (for those diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability), the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care (DADHC) and a number of Respite Services.

Also ask your GP or Paediatrician about Government Health Plan initiatives.

Coffs Coast Autism are striving to increase services to include those currently available in many other regional areas such as an Autism Support Centre and Autism specific Satellite Classes.

Carer Allowance is available through Centrelink for parents or guardians of a child with a disability. Carer Allowance is not income or assets tested. You may also be eligible to receive a Health Care Card. If your child is more profoundly disabled, Carer Payment is also available from Centrelink for a person providing full time personal care or supervision of a child with a severe disability. An income and asset test applies to this payment.

The Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care (ADHC) provide respite services as does Respite & Recreation. ADHC may also assist with other disability services. PADP (the Program of Appliances for Disabled People) is a state government funded program which may be able to assist with supply of nappies for children over the age of three. An annual contribution is required.

Are they likely to have a Driver’s Licence, a partner, a job, the ability to live independently?

This is the question we would all love answered. Unfortunately as no two cases of Autism are exactly alike, it is impossible to predict what adolescence or adulthood will bring for your child.

As the above information suggests, interventions are now assisting many Autistic children to become more independent and socially adept and it is no longer impossible that they may live an independent life.

Diagnostic terms of Autism can be confusing. We’ve listed the most common of the terms and explained them a little.

Autism: In Autism the impairments in the social and communication areas are severe and sustained and present before the age of three years. The child is often anxious, has poor attention and motivation, responds unusually to many different stimuli and is very ‘different’ from other children. The child may also be intellectually delayed.

High Functioning Autism: Is a loosely used term to describe a child/adult who meets the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism, but is not as severely affected as the more classically autistic child.

Asperger Syndrome: In Asperger Syndrome there are severe and sustained social impairments, but impairments are not as severe in the communication area. The impairments seem more subtle in the very young child, and become more apparent as the child reaches preschool and school age. The Asperger child/adult is usually in the normal intelligence range.

PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified)

Atypical Autism: Is used for children who show characteristics of autism but not sufficiently severe to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism or Asperger Syndrome. These children require the same intervention approaches used for children with Autism or Asperger Syndrome, but generally not as intensive or sustained.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is used because there is great variation from person to person depending on the severity and combination of each area of impairment. Autism Spectrum Disorder may also coexist with other conditions or disorders, including intellectual disability, speech and language disorders, anxiety and depression (especially in adolescents and adults) epilepsy, attention disorders, Tourette Syndrome and Down Syndrome.

At one end of the spectrum diagnostic labels such as “Asperger Syndrome”, “High Functioning Autism” and “PDD-NOS” are used. At the other end of the spectrum you will find labels such as “Autism” and “Classic Autism”.

The information is provided with thanks by:

Coffs Coast Autism- visit their website: http://www.coffscoastautism.org.au