BY DR DALE GARRED, MANLY VILLAGE MEDICAL
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is NOT the same as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but the two conditions can coexist. The word ‘spectrum’ highlights that people with autism experience varying types of difficulties to varying degrees. The term Autism has replaced outdated terms such as Asperger Syndrome.
Autism affects the way people communicate, process information and interact with the world. Children with Autism have difficulties in two main areas:
1. Social Communication – for example:
- Limited ability to interact or engage in play with others.
- Slow to learn to speak.
- Less use of nonverbal ways of communicating such as eye contact, pointing and gestures e.g. waving.
- Struggling to share information or join in conversations.
- Unusual sensitivity or lack of sensitivity to sounds, textures, pain or light.
- Difficulty making lasting friendships.
2. Repetitive behavior – for example:
- Rocking.
- Finger flicking.
The main support for a child with ASD is to enhance their existing skills (strengths) and help them develop strategies to overcome their difficulties.
- Psychology – helps with managing emotions and challenging behaviours as well as helps develop social understanding.
- Speech Pathology – helps to develop good communication skills and explore how language can be used for social engagement.
- Occupational Therapy – helps with sensory sensitivities and helps develop joint play skills.
Medication is NOT recommended for the core features of ASD, but may be used for co-existing conditions such as Anxiety.
If you are concerned that a loved one may have features of Autism, speak with your doctor about what support services might be most appropriate. It is important to get support early (Psychology, Speech, OT) to try and improve long term outcomes and reduce the overall amount of support an individual will need over their lifetime.
To book an appointment with a Doctor at Manly Village Medical or Baywest Medical Centre go to the website and book online.
