What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that can present in many unique and brilliant ways. People with autism show us that they have different preferences about how they communicate, how they want to socialise and how they perceive and manage sensory input.

Some early signs of Autism you may notice

Every individual’s needs and preferences will be different, however some common characteristics of autism can be noticeable very early, sometimes even before the age of 3. Autism is not identified by one single behaviour however you may observe patterns that seem familiar in your young person:

Before 12 months

• not smiling in response to others
• minimal eye contact
• absence of back-and-forth interactions with others, such as mimicking sounds, smiles or facial expressions
• not consistently responding to their name being called
• not following people with their eyes
• minimal babbling 
• limited response to loud sounds or overreacting to some sounds
• absence of gestures such as pointing or waving
• delay to crawling or standing when supported

Before 2 years

• little or no speaking – or repeating everything they hear
• delayed walking or only walking on toes
• limited imitation of common gestures or activities
• focused or intense interest in one type of thing
• repetitive play, like lining things up or spinning the wheels on a toy
• repetitive behaviours, such as hand flapping or rocking
• minimal participation in reciprocal games like peek-a-boo  

Pre-school years

• loss of previously acquired speech or social skills
• limited speech or unusual speech patterns
• avoiding eye contact
• persistent preference for solitude or strong preference for certain familiar people
• less interest in other children or difficulty making friends
• difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
• difficulty managing emotions
• having trouble understanding or following instructions
• avoiding certain sensory inputs, such as covering ears to avoid noise, avoiding certain food or clothing textures
• seeking certain sensations (such as watching water repeatedly or seeking firm pressure)
• minimal interest in imaginative play such as pretending or role playing

Strengths

It is so important to highlight the many positive traits that are common in Autistic people too. Often they are good at logical thinking or demonstrate a keen eye for detail. People with autism frequently possess a deep interest in a specific hobby or activity making them experts in their favourite topic. Autistic people can also display strengths in their character which build wonderful friendships, such as honesty, loyalty, fairness and kindness.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is one of the best predicators of positive outcomes. The only way to confirm if your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis is to get a multidisciplinary assessment involving a psychologist, a speech pathologist and a paediatrician, however a good place to start is to book an appointment with a speech pathologist or occupational therapist, as the development of skills can be an early sign. The earlier you identify and get help with a diagnosis the sooner you can make a big difference.

Early Intervention

If you have recently received an autism diagnosis or have concerns about your child’s development, Early Start Australia offers assessments and a range of evidence-based early intervention therapies to support children with autism. Our multidisciplinary team of psychologists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists can help you build on your child’s unique strengths and your skills as a family. Together we can work with your child, their school and their community to support their preferences and your child to thrive.

To learn more about therapy for autism in children or to book an appointment contact your nearest Early Start Australia clinic. You can find your local clinic here, and contact our client care team on 1300 372 439.