By Annette Campbell

Did you know...?

• An estimated 130,000 Australians have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• There are approximately six boys to each girl diagnosed.
• Some children with ASD have remarkable talents — for example, in maths, music or art.

This May is Autism Month, so we've asked an expert to help us understand a little more about this neurodevelopmental disorder.

Anthony Warren is a developmental psychologist and the Director for Young Children and Families at Autism Spectrum Australia — the largest provider of services for people with autism in Australia.

"Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders that particularly impact on communication, social development and interaction, and on behaviour," Anthony explains. "It is not a mental illness or caused by factors such as parenting or the environment a child grows up in."

Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term that includes autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome and atypical autism (when core behaviours are present but the criteria are not fully met).

"Autism affects each person uniquely," he says. "But regardless of that, there will be early indicators, and often it is the parent who first raises concern. It is important for professionals to listen to parents, and for parents to continue to raise their concerns. Young children will show some of the following indicators — though no single indicator necessarily means a child has autism."

Possible indicators

Behaviour:

• Inexplicable tantrums.
• Unusual interests or attachments (eg: fascinated by numbers or letters).
• Unusual motor mannerisms (eg: rocking or hand flapping).
• Difficulty coping with change.

Communication:

• Not responding to his / her name by 12 months.
• Responding to certain sounds but ignoring the human voice.
• Limited use of gestures or pointing by 12 months.

Social:

• Not sharing attention, interest or enjoyment.
• Not trying to get your interest or attention.
• Lack of shared emotions (eg: joy or excitement).
• Not returning your smile.
• Looking away when spoken to.

Play:

• Very limited social play (eg: peek-a-boo).
• Plays with toys or objects in unusual ways (eg: lining-up toys).
• Preference to play alone.

Sensory:

• Preoccupation with certain textures.
• Afraid of some everyday sounds.
• Eats a very limited range of foods.
• May use peripheral vision to look at objects.

So what's 'normal' behaviour?

Anthony explains that typical development for an 18 to 24-month-old includes:

• Showing social interest in siblings and peers.
• Bringing items to show you.
• Sharing your gaze and pointing to locate an object.
• Engaging in pretend play (eg: nursing and feeding a doll).
• Sharing joy and excitement.

I'm worried about my child. What do I do?

"Early intervention is critical," says Anthony. "If you have any concerns about your child's development, see your GP for a referral to a paediatrician. Autism Spectrum Australia has a diagnostic assessment service which works collaboratively with the family's medical practitioners."

Autism Month

Activities through May include the launch of an interactive online program, AutismPro, developed by international autism researchers and clinical experts.

It is the only software in the world which helps both parents and professionals tailor an individual program based on informed choices about goals and activities. This tool can be applied at home, in your own time before you access services or to complement other interventions, treatments or services.

Find out more

Visit the Autism Spectrum Australia website: www.autismspectrum.org.au or call their
Hotline: (02) 8977 8377, or toll free: 1800 069 978.

For more information on the AutismPro program, see their website: www.autismpro.com.au.