What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (sometimes just called autism) is one of many conditions that occur when the development of brain function in early life is different than usual.
People with autism do not communicate or interact with others in the same ways that people without autism do, and they have particular ways of behaving. These communication and behavioural differences limit the ability of people with autism to function normally in social situations.
How common is autism spectrum disorder?
In Australia, about four or five out of every 1000 people have autism.
Autism is more common in males than females. For every female diagnosed with autism, there are three or four boys diagnosed. The reasons for this difference are not fully understood, but:
Like many health conditions, we know there are differences in autism between males and females, but we do not understand them very well.
What are the risk factors for autism spectrum disorder?
Being male is a risk factor for autism.
Autism runs in families but there is no ‘autism gene’. There are thousands of different genes (many of which are involved in brain development) that contribute to the risk of autism. These genes interact with other risk factors from people’s environments to cause autism.
What causes autism spectrum disorder?
Autism seems to be caused by the way that different nerves and regions of the brain connect. The reasons why the brains of people with autism connect differently than other people’s aren’t known, and exactly how this causes the symptoms of autism are not understood.
What are the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?
The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder begin in early life but they may not be noticed until later, when they cause problems with social functioning, school, work or other important parts of people’s lives.
People with autism spectrum disorder have three main types of symptoms related to communication, and at least two or four main behavioural symptoms.
How is autism spectrum disorder diagnosed?
There is no standard test for autism, and no cut-off scores for judging the severity of symptoms. Diagnosis is made by mental health professionals based on their observations of patients, interviews with parents or carers (and the patient, if possible), and questionnaires to collect important information.
Part of the process of diagnosing autism should be a Comprehensive Needs Assessment, which involves an Assessment of Functioning and a medical evaluation. This is required to identify the strengths and support needs of the person, so that they can make the most of their life. A Comprehensive Needs Assessment may need to be repeated as the person with autism develops and as their circumstances change.
How is autism spectrum disorder treated?
The severity of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder ranges from very mild to severe and is different for everyone who lives with autism.
Autism is managed in a different way for everyone because the effects of autism, a person’s circumstances, strengths and support needs are specific to each individual.
Early diagnosis and intervention are best for people with autism because of the limitations on communication and behaviour that it causes.
Interventions that focus on behaviour, development, learning and relationships are used to build the strengths of people with autism, often by working together with their families, carers, teachers or employers.
People with autism spectrum disorder may benefit from speech therapy, occupational therapy to help with movement, or a mental health professional (counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist).
No medication is effective for treating the main symptoms of autism, but medication might be needed to treat other associated health conditions.
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder.
What does autism spectrum disorder mean for my health?
Autism spectrum disorder is a life-long condition, but it does not progress or worsen with age. With the right support, even people with severe symptoms can have fulfilling lives, for example by learning skills to manage problem symptoms.
Most people with autism have other health conditions as well, and symptoms of autism can overlap with symptoms of other conditions.
- Intellectual disability
- Speech and language problems
- Movement problems
- Urinary incontinence
- Faecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Overweight/obesity
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Behavioural disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Gender dysphoria
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Hearing loss
- Visual problems
- Cerebral palsy
What should I do about autism spectrum disorder?
The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder begin to appear during early life. If you have any concerns about the development of your child, you should speak to your GP straight away.
The developmental nature of autism means that its effects on individuals change over time. People with autism often require a group of people, with different skills and specialties, to provide support throughout their lives. The types of support and the people who provide it may need to change over time, so it may be necessary to repeat Comprehensive Needs Assessments from time to time.
