What is Autism
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Understanding Autism
Prevalence of Autism in Malaysia
Global Prevalence Data
How is Autism Diagnosed?
The characteristics of autism vary from one person to another, but in order for a diagnosis to be made, a person will usually be assessed as having had persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests since early childhood, to the extent that these “limit and impair everyday functioning”.
- SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
- SOCIAL INTERACTION
- REPETITIVE BEHAVIOUR & ROUTINES
- HIGHLY-FOCUSED INTERESTS
- SENSORY SENSITIVITY
The world can seem a very unpredictable and confusing place to autistic people, who often prefer to have a daily routine so that they know what is going to happen every day. They may want to always travel the same way to and from school or work, or eat exactly the same food for breakfast.
The use of rules can also be important. It may be difficult for an autistic person to take a different approach to something once they have been taught the ‘right’ way to do it. People on the autism spectrum may not be comfortable with the idea of change, but may be able to cope better if they can prepare for changes in advance.
Many autistic people have intense and highly-focused interests, often from a fairly young age. These can change over time or be lifelong, and can be anything from art or music, to trains or computers. An interest may sometimes be unusual. One autistic person loved collecting rubbish, for example. With encouragement, the person developed an interest in recycling and the environment.
Many channel their interest into studying, paid work, volunteering, or other meaningful occupation. Autistic people often report that the pursuit of such interests is fundamental to their wellbeing and happiness.
Autistic people may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures or pain. For example, they may find certain background sounds, which other people ignore or block out, unbearably loud or distracting. This can cause anxiety or even physical pain. Or they may be fascinated by lights or spinning objects.
Causes and Cures of Autism
The exact cause of autism is still being investigated. Research into causes suggests that a combination of factors – genetic and environmental – may account for differences in development. Autism is not caused by a person’s upbringing, their social circumstances and is not the fault of the individual with the condition.
Is there a cure?
There is no ‘cure’ for autism. However, Autism is treatable.
WHO DO I NEED FOR ASSISTANCE AND/OR ASSESSMENTS?
Parents/teachers should seek for an assessment by a qualified professional:
- Pediatriacian
- Developmental Paediatrician
- Child Psychologist
- Child Psychiatrist
- Clinical Psychologist
If your child is not meeting the appropriate milestones; or present with some or all signs of Autism.
*Contact us at +03 2201 1107 for references to get your child assessed.