What is Autism?

You may have heard the term autism before, but what does it really mean?

April is Autism Awareness Month and it’s a good time to understand autism a little bit better.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) speaks to a range of complex conditions characterised by certain challenges.

Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to have problems with social skills, repetitive behaviours and difficulties communicating both verbally and non-verbally. People diagnosed with ASD often have unique strengths and differences.

Autism is not a single disorder. It exists as a spectrum of different types which are caused by combinations of genetic and environmental influences. Individuals on the spectrum are affected differently and to varying degrees. At this point, a single, clearly identifiable cause for ASD has yet to be determined.

Signs of ASD are usually observed in early childhood, most often beginning between two to three years old.

Behaviours generally seen in people with ASD include:

• Delayed language learning
• Little or no eye contact
• Difficulty holding a conversation
• Little interest in relationships with others
• A difficulty with reasoning and planning
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects
• Poor motor skills
• Repetitive use of language or certain mannerisms such as flapping their hands or twirling objects
• Sensory sensitivities

ASD is diagnosed based on analysis of all characteristic behaviours and how severe they are.

Autism may also be accompanied by physical and mental health issues: gastrointestinal disorders, problems with sleep, seizures, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias.

Sources: Autism Society, Autism Speaks