On the Coast – Families Issue 99 I April/May 2019 | Page 22
Does my child have Autism?
Dr Georgia Page
D
evelopmental and behavioural
problems are common in
young children. In the majority of
cases behavioural difficulties are
temporary and normal
development is achieved. But how
do we know if a young child’s
behaviour is within normal limits
or when could it be a
developmental disorder such as
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
What is Autism?
ASD is a developmental disorder in
which individuals display difficulties
with social interaction, communication,
and with play (with often restrictive and/
or repetitive patterns of behaviour).
It is important to emphasis that the
disorder is called a ‘spectrum’ as no two
children have the same features and can
vary in severity. In 2013, ASD became
the umbrella term for a group of
conditions that were once considered as
individual conditions such as Autism,
Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive
Developmental Disorder (PDD) and
Pervasive Developmental Disorder- not
otherwise specified PDDNOS).
It is now estimated that approximately
1 in 70 Australians have autism. It is 4
time more common in boys than girls.
Behavioural features often present before
3 years of age but may be more apparent
during school years or later in life.
It is a lifelong condition with no cure,
however early intervention can help
children reach their full potential.
Signs and Symptoms
ASD is characterised by marked
difficulties with social interaction,
communication and restrictive/repetitive
patterns of behaviour.
Social and communications difficulties
may include:
Delayed speech development
Limited eye contact
Infrequent smiling
Lack of interest in other people
Minimal interest in playing with peers
Difficulties with non-verbal
communication e.g body language,
reading or expressing emotions ,
rarely using gestures e.g pointing
No pretend play (e.g doesn’t feed dolls/
teddies)
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KIDZ O N T H E C OA S T
Doesn’t consistently respond to name
Does not enjoy situations or activities
most children their age like
Difficulties forming and maintaining
friendships.
Restrictive and Repetitive patterns of
behaviour may include:
Repetitive behaviours eg: rocking
or hand flapping, walking on toes,
playing with toys in repetitive or
unimaginative way such as lining up
blocks or cars instead of playing with
them, and switching lights on and off
Restricted interests eg: being obsessed
with one thing, upset if change in
normal routine
Sensory issues eg: can be high affected
by sounds, smells, tastes or textures,
or may seek or avoid particular
sensations).
Other symptoms can include:
sleeping problems
anxiety
tantrums/challenging behaviours/
aggression
learning difficulties
attention difficulties
emotional difficulties
Intellectual impairment.
What causes ASD?
It is unclear what causes ASD but it is
thought to be a genetic condition.
Research continues to try to find the
exact causes and treatment.
It is important to note that autism
is NOT caused by vaccination, eating
certain foods or a child’s upbringing or
social circumstances.
Diagnosing ASD
If you are worried about a child’s
behaviour, communication or social skills
a good start is seeing a GP or a child and
family health nurse. They can assess the
child, see if they are reaching expected
developmental milestones for their age
and lead you in the right direction. They
may then be referred to a developmental
paediatrician or psychologist where
they will do a number of assessments
and screening tools to determine the
diagnosis. Any information from care
givers and preschool teachers are useful
too and often they are asked to complete
questionnaires about certain behaviours
in the child. Some children can be
diagnosed from as early as the age of two
and others will be diagnosed at an older
age. The earlier a child is diagnosed the
earlier therapy can begin.
Treatment of ASD
Although there is no cure for autism,
research shows that the earlier a child
starts intervention the better the
developmental outcomes. Children with
autism can still learn, make friends, have
emotions and can have a positive change
in their behaviours. This requires a team
based approached and there are financial
supports available to help with such
interventions. Treatment varies according
to the needs of each child and help them to
develop their social and communication
skills, improve behaviour and development
and make the most of their strengths.
Treatment programs may include speech
therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural
therapy, family therapy, special education
programs and sometimes medication.
Medication is only used if there are
significant issues with anxiety, depression,
behavioural or sleep. Having a child with
autism can have a huge impact on families
so support for families is also available.
SUMMARY
A child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
has difficulties with communication,
socialising and play. No two children
with ASD show the same symptoms and
signs – they are unique. Children with
ASD like routine and predictability.
Treatment is tailored to the child’s and
family’s needs and usually includes a
team based approach. Vaccinations do
not cause autism.
If you are concerned about your
child’s behaviour please see your doctor.
For more information
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism
www.autismspectrum.org.au/
www.autismawareness.com.au/
www.amaze.org.au/
Georgia enjoys all aspects of general practice and has been working at Your Family Doctors at Erina for
the last 12 years. The practice has lovely new rooms and has a fabulous team of Doctors and Nurses,
some of whom are accepting new patients. They pride themselves on delivering good quality health care,
with that special personal touch. For more information call 4365 4999, check the website
www.yourfamilydoctors.com.au or like them on facebook.