World Autism Awareness Day Embraces Neuro Diversity

The KZN Department of Health joins the rest of the globe in commemorating World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on 02 April every year. In 2010 the Theme of World Autism Awareness Day was “Embracing Neuro Diversity.”

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder caused by issues with how the brain functions and can be noted from birth to three years of age. ASD occurs in all social groups and has no known cause. ASD is more common among boys than girls and affects 1 in 68 children worldwide.

Children who have ASD present with different behaviors and abilities, therefore their learning capacities vary according to their level of intellectual functioning and communication skills. Due to this, autism is described as being a spectrum of different skills and abilities. There is no cure for ASD but early intervention (before three years old) for a child with ASD has shown to significantly improve a child’s intellectual functioning and language ability.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms of a child with suspected ASD include the following:

• No smiling or display of affection by six months of age;
• Does not take turns, copying sounds or actions;
• Does not babble by 12 months;
• Does not use gestures like pointing and waving by 12 months;
• Does not produce words by 16 months
• Child does not respond to his name when called;
• ‘Loses’ speech and/or social skills at any age;
• Little or no eye contact;
• Plays with toys in an unusual way;
• Does not play or interact with other children by 3 years of age;
• Changes in routine or environment causes the child to distressed or panic;
• Has unusual behaviors such as rocking and flicking fingers;
• Insensitivity to loud sound / noise;
• Insensitivity to certain smells;

How to Manage ASD?

Helping the child with ASD requires a team; which includes the Occupational Therapist, Speech therapist, Audiologist, Psychologist and most importantly, the child’s family.

Therapy and intervention should take place when a diagnosis of ASD is suspected or confirmed and should occur on a regular basis.
Children with ASD are most often placed in a school for learners with special educational needs. Applications to schools should start at least a year before the child is to attend school as it can be a lengthy process. The team of professionals can assist parents in the process of applying to schools.

What to do?

Parents or guardians who have a child presenting with any or combination of the above stated signs and symptoms must seek advice from the relevant health practitioner such as an Occupational

Therapist, Psychologist, Paediatrician and Speech Therapist.

It is advisable that parents take a child to nearest a health facility for assistance.

Family support and other support systems such as support groups play an important role in the management of ASD.

For more information on Autism Spectrum Disorder, please consult any relevant clinician mentioned above.

Thank you

Issued by the KZN Department of Health