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Autism and Asperger syndrome still remain relatively unknown disabilities
among the general population. Yet it is estimated that autism spectrum
disorders are approximately four times as common as cerebral palsy
and 17 times as common as Down's syndrome - touching the lives of
over 40 000 people and their families throughout New Zealand. What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder? An Autism Spectrum Disorders is a life-long developmental disability affecting social and communication skills. People with the disability can also have accompanying learning disabilities; but, whatever their general level of intelligence, everyone with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world. Because of the differing degrees of severity and variety of manifestations, the term Autism Spectrum Disorder is often used to describe the whole range. This term includes Asperger syndrome, which is a form of autism
at the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum. People with
Asperger syndrome are of average (or higher) intelligence and generally
have fewer problems with language, often speaking fluently, though
their words can sometimes sound formal and ideas which are abstract, metaphorical or idiomatic may cause confusion and be taken literally. Unlike individuals with 'classic' autism, who often appear withdrawn and uninterested in the world around them, many people with Asperger syndrome try hard to be sociable and do not dislike human contact. However, they still find it hard to understand non-verbal signals, including facial expressions. The exact cause or causes is/are still unknown but research shows that genetic factors are important. In many cases Autism Spectrum Disorder may also be associated with various conditions affecting the brain such as; maternal rubella, tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis. Onset is almost always from birth or before age three, although
people with the condition may go through life without being diagnosed
- and without receiving help that could help them live more fulfilled
lives. "Classic" autism affects four times as many boys as girls;
Asperger syndrome affects nine times as many boys as girls. It is
found among all races, nationalities, and social classes. Can people with autism spectrum disorders be helped? An autism spectrum disorder is a life-long disability, but there are ways of helping, especially if a child is diagnosed early and receives appropriate intervention early in life. Special education programmes and structured support can really make a
difference to a child's life, helping to maximise skills and achieve
full potential in adulthood. An early diagnosis of an autism spectrum
disorder is essential in order to ensure appropriate support is
given. How common are Autism Spectrum Disorders? 1 person in 100 has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, this includes people who have Asperger syndrome. The estimated population of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders in New Zealand is approxiamately 40 000 These figures include people at the higher functioning end of the
spectrum who may not need specialist services and support, but who
will still benefit from early recognition and sympathetic understanding
of their special needs and unusual pattern of skills. Features of the disorder can vary widely from one person to another; there is no single feature that defines either autism or Asperger syndrome. For example, a child with an autism spectrum disorder may make eye contact, speak with perfect grammar or put an arm around another child who is crying. Occasional behaviour such as this doesn't exclude an autism spectrum disorder; it's the overall pattern that's relevant, not the intermittent flashes of "normality". The degree to which people with an autism spectrum disorder are
affected varies, but all those affected have impairments in social
interaction, social communication and imagination. This is known
as the "triad of impairments". People with autism spectrum disorders have difficulties with
social relationships. They may, for example, appear aloof and indifferent
to other people or passively accept social contact, even showing
some signs of pleasure in this, but rarely making spontaneous approaches. People with an autism spectrum disorder also have difficulties
with verbal and non-verbal communication, for example not fully
understanding the meaning of gestures, facial expressions or tones
of voice. They also find it hard to appreciate the social cues and pleasure of communication. They do not understand language is a tool for conveying information to others. When they do use language it is generally used very literally with an idiosyncratic, sometimes pompous, choice of words and phrases and limited speech. There are difficulties in the development of play and imagination, for example children do not develop creative "let's pretend" play in the way other children do. They have a limited range of imaginative activities, possibly copied and pursued rigidly and repetitively. Children and adults tend to focus on minor or trivial things around
them - an earring rather than the person wearing it, the wheel of
a toy rather than the car itself. They also tend to miss the point
of pursuits involving words, such as social conversation, literature,
especially fiction, and subtle verbal humour. In addition to this triad, repetitive behaviour patterns are a
notable feature, as is a resistance to changes in routine. People
with autism spectrum disorders often become obsessed with particular
objects or behaviours, focussing on them to the exclusion of everything
else. People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder may have "sensory issues" or a difference in sensory integration, where they can be either hyposensitive or hypersensitive to outside stimuli. This means that a person can be very sensitive to particular sounds, light, smells and touch etc. Particular sensations may be very absorbing and pleasurable, others may be perceived as unbearably intense, stressful and even painful. The anticipation of such an experience can lead to extreme anxiety or panic. There may also be a lack of sensitivity and therefore response to pain. These type of experiences can often be very bewildering to parents, teachers and other ‘neurotypicals’. Some people with autism spectrum disorders, who may be severely disabled in most ways, will sometimes display talent for say, music, mathematics or technology. Some have a remarkable memory for dates and things that particularly interest them. What do I do if I suspect an autism spectrum disorder? If you suspect an autism spectrum disorder is present, have the
person referred (or suggest they ask) for a specialist diagnosis
and assessment as early as possible through their GP, Child Development
Unit, Child and Family Guidance Centre, paediatrician or clinical psychologist.
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Children and adults who have an autism spectrum
disorder look the same as other people, and due to the invisible
nature of their disability it can be much harder to create awareness
and understanding.
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