What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?


Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and is sometimes referred to as an autism spectrum disorder or an ASD. The word 'spectrum' is used because, while all people with a diagnosis of ASD and Asperger Syndrome (see below) share three main areas of difficulty, it will affect them in very different ways. Some are able to live relatively 'everyday' lives; others will require a lifetime of specialist support.


Asperger Syndrome (AS) is part of the autism spectrum and diagnosis requires the 'triad of impairments' to be present. While there are similarities with autism, people with a diagnosis of AS have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. They do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties. These may include dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.


The three main areas of difficulty which all people on the autism spectrum share are referred to as the 'triad of impairments'. They are:


Difficulty with social communication - individuals on the autism spetrum may be able to speak fluently or some may be unable to speak at all. There may also be difficulties understanding gestures, body language, facial expressions and tone of voice, making it difficult to judge or understand the reactions of those they are talking to or to empathise with people's feelings. As a result, they may unintentionally appear insensitive or rude to others. They may also take others comments literally and so misunderstand jokes, metaphors or colloquialisms.


Difficulty with social interaction - being unaware of what's socially appropriate, finding chatting or small talk difficult and not socialising much. People with ASD may appear uninterested in others and find it very difficult to develop friendships and relate to others, while those with AS are more likely to enjoy or want to develop social contacts, but find mixing very difficult.


Difficulty with social imagination - being able to determine and interpret other people's thoughts, feelings and actions, or being able to foresee what will or might occur next, identifying hazards, engaging in imaginative play and activities. Children with ASD may enjoy some imaginative play but have a strong preference to act out familiar scenes. There may be difficulties preparing for change and planning for the future, coping in new or unfamiliar situations which may result in the person becoming stressed. Difficulties with social imagination should not be mistaken with a lack of imagination. Some people with ASD are very creative and go on to become accomplished artists, musicians or writers.


It can be hard to create awareness of ASD as individuals on the autism spectrum do not 'look' disabled: parents of children on the autism spectrum often say that other people simply think their child is naughty; while adults find that they are misunderstood.


A child on the autism spectrum may appear 'normal' as a baby and reach the usual developmental milestones, including early speech. But as they grow into toddlers, they may fail to develop normal social behaviour and speech may be lost.


As a child grows, the typical difficulties present with a diagnosis of ASD are:


• Repetitive behaviour and resistance to changes in routine.

• Obsessions with particular objects or routines.

• Poor coordination.

• Difficulties with fine movement control (especially in AS).

• Absence of normal facial expression and body language.

• Lack of eye contact.

• Sensory issues.

• Physical tics or 'stimming' (repetitive movements such as finger flicking or arm flapping).

• Tendency to spend time alone, with very few friends.

• Lack of imaginative play.



What Causes ASD?


The exact cause of ASD is still being investigated. However, research suggests that a combination of factors - genetic and environmental - may account for changes in brain development. ASD is not caused by a person's upbringing, their social circumstances and is not the fault of the individual with the condition.


There's no specific test for ASD. Diagnosis is based on a consideration of symptoms.



Treatment of ASD?


There is no specific cure or particular medical treatment for ASD, children on the autism spectrum grow up to be adults on the autism spectrum. Much can be done to maximise a child’s potential and this is key to managing the condition. Appropriate specialist education, speech, language and behavioural therapy are all important.


Other interventions are based around theories about possible causes of ASD – these may for example involve using foods and supplements, or medicines, which might affect the mechanical, physical and biochemical functions of the body. While many people feel they've achieved good results with some of these interventions, none of them is a cure-all, and many lack scientific evidence to demonstrate their benefits.


As the causes of ASD aren't yet known, it isn't possible to prevent them.



Myths about ASD


A person on the autism spectrum feels love, happiness, sadness and pain just like everyone else. Just because some individuals may not express their feelings in the same way others do, does not mean that they do not have feelings. Not all people on the autism spectrum have an incredible gift or savantism for numbers or music.