02/04/2022
World Autism Day
Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). People with autism have challenges with communication and social skills. They also have repetitive behaviour or restricted interests.
Causes of Autism
Autism is present throughout the person’s lifetime, and you may not know what caused it. Sometimes, autism runs in families.
Some possible causes include
genetic differences;
differences in brain development or in brain function; and
exposure to harmful materials or chemicals in the environment.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
You can often observe signs and symptoms of autism in very young children. But sometimes they are not very noticeable, and they might not be recognized until school age or even adulthood. Signs and symptoms my change as the person gets older, but there will always be challenges with communication, social skills, and behaviours.
Communication
Communication includes understanding, talking, reading, and writing. A person with autism may have challenges
understanding and using gestures like pointing or waving;
understanding and using words;
following directions;
learning to read or write—some children with autism read early but do not understand what they read (called hyperlexia); and
having conversations.
A person with autism may
lose early words;
be hard to understand;
repeat words or phrases they just heard or that they heard days or weeks earlier (echolalia);
use a robotic or singsong speaking voice;
talk very little or not at all; and
use challenging behaviours instead of words or gestures to communicate what they want.
Social Skills
A person with autism may have challenges relating to others. It might seem like they are not interested in others or in making friends.
It may be hard for a person with autism to
share attention with someone else and focus on the same object or event;
join in play with others and share toys;
respond when others invite them to play or talk;
understand how others feel;
take turns in play or in conversation; and
make and keep friends.
Behaviours
A person with autism may
repeat certain behaviours including hand or body movements;
cry, laugh, or become angry for unknown reasons;
have trouble changing from one activity to the next;
get upset by certain sounds, smells, or textures;
like only a few foods;
choose foods based on look or texture; and
be interested in only a few objects or topics.
Treatments for People With Autism
There is no known cure for autism. For young children with autism, it is best to get help early. Ask about local early intervention and preschool programs. Adolescents and adults with autism also benefit from treatment to help them communicate better in school, at work, and in the community.
A variety of specialists might work with a person with autism throughout their lifetime. These can include SLPs, audiologists, psychologists, special educators, vocational counselors, and job coaches. (ASHA)