Colleen-Maree has had 10 years of working with people with autism and has researched Autism at a Postgraduate level. It is with this experience that she designs the best therapy program for your child.
For a better understanding of some of the methods uses please check out our programs page.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability characterised by impairments in social communication and interactions, as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. For an ASD diagnosis to be made these symptoms need to be evident from childhood, and impair daily functioning (APA, 2013). The word 'spectrum'
is used because the range and severity of the difficulties people with ASD experience can vary widely.
How common ASD?
Research shows that about 1 in 100 children, almost 230 000 Australians, have an ASD and that it is more prevalent in boys than girls (Taylor & Seltzer, 2011; Brugha, et al., 2011).
What are the causes?
Currently, there is no single known cause for ASD, however, recent research has identified strong genetic links. ASD is not caused by an individual's upbringing or their social circumstances.
Symptoms
Some of the following may be early indicators of ASD. No single indicator necessarily signals ASD - usually, a child would present with several indicators from some of the following categories:
Behaviour
o Has inexplicable tantrums
o Has unusual interests or attachments
o Has unusual motor movements such as flapping hands or spinning
o Has extreme difficulty coping with change
Sensory
o Afraid of some everyday sounds
o Uses peripheral vision to look at objects
o Fascination with moving objects
o High tolerance of temperature and pain
Communication
o Not responding to his/her name by 12 months
o Not pointing or waving by 12 months
o Loss of words previously used
o Speech absent at 18 months
o No spontaneous phrases by 24 months
o Selective hearing - responding to certain sounds but ignoring the human voice
o Unusual language patterns (e.g. repetitive speech)
Social Skills
o Looks away when you speak to him/her
o Does not return your smile
o Lack of interest in other children
o Often seems to be in his / her own world
o Does not seek to share interests with others
Play
o Prefers to play alone
o Very limited social play (e.g. "Peek-a-boo")
o Play is limited to certain toys
o Plays with objects in unusual ways such as repetitive spinning or lining up
Diagnosis
ASD is diagnosed through an assessment which includes observing and meeting with the individual, their family and service providers. Information is gathered regarding the individual's strengths and difficulties, particularly in the areas of social interaction and social communication as well as restricted and repetitive interests, activities and
behaviours. Such information may be obtained by administering standardised tests or questionnaires. ASD is usually diagnosed in early childhood, but assessments can be undertaken at any age. There is no single behaviour that indicates ASD. Currently, there are no blood tests that can detect ASD.
Developmental paediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists with experience in assessing individuals with ASD are qualified to make a diagnosis. If you have concerns, your GP may refer you to a developmental paediatrician or diagnostic assessment service in your area.
Management
Effective early intervention programs are an important first step for children with an ASD and those with other disabilities or developmental concerns. Early diagnosis followed by individualised early intervention can provide the best opportunities for achieving their potential.
