Unravelling autism

It’s thought that genetic influences play a major part and this is where a lot of research is being concentrated. Family and twin studies provide strong evidence for a genetic link to autism. It’s also been shown that if a child has autism, there’s a 3–5% risk that a sibling will be affected.

What is autism?

Autism affects each child differently. No two autistic children will be the same. It’s a ‘range of disorders’ and is referred to as an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s generally agreed that severe ‘core’ autism only affects about 4 in every 10,000 people whilst 50-60 in every 10,000 are affected by some disorder from the autistic spectrum. The label PDD (pervasive development disorder) is often used for children with a range of less severe symptoms but all those affected tend to show three common characteristics – known as the Triad of Impairments:

• Difficulties with speech, language and non-verbal communication
• Difficulties with social interaction
• Difficulties with imagination and inner language

Early signs before one year

• Lack of interest in people and toys.
• Poor sleep pattern.
• Lack of speech development.
• Failure to meet developmental milestones.

• Obsessive behaviour problems.
• Other severe behaviour problems.
• Apparent ‘deafness’ – this is related to sensory ‘learning’ difficulties.
• It can be hard for the child to look another person in the eye.
• Problems identifying and concentrating on an individual voice when there’s a lot of background noise.

Autistic spectrum disorders are diagnosed by assessing behaviour. The procedure can vary greatly from one health authority to another because autism is still a relatively unknown condition. One thing’s certain though – an early diagnosis (by the time the child’s three) special teaching and support will help.