DIAGNOSING ASD

DIAGNOSING AUTISM

It is usually the parents or caretakers of a child that become concerned that their child is not following a typical developmental course.

They can turn to their GP or public health nurse or paediatrician in the case of a young child for a developmental assessment.
In children with ASD, the symptoms are present before three years of age, although a diagnosis can sometimes be made after the age of three.

INFOGRAPHIC: Spot the Early Signs of ASD

Adult autism diagnosis

Individuals with mild form of ASD can go undiagnosed for years. A diagnosis later in life can be difficult as the person has become used to masking or managing the symptoms, their early developmental milestones might not have been recorded.

Gender autism diagnosis

According to studies, males are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than females. The ratio of autistic males to females diagnosed with autism is estimated at 3 to 1.
Several factors influence this gender bias in getting an autism diagnosis:

Autism assessment tools have been built around on autistic male characteristics, and autistic females have characteristics which don’t fit with this profile.
Women and girls are better at masking or camouflaging their difficulties.
Autism traits in girls are under-reported by teachers.
Autism is an exaggeration of normal gender differences.
A range of biological factors may mean men and boys have a higher prevalence of autism.

As a result, autistic females are often not diagnosed, misdiagnosed or diagnosed at a later stage of their life. There is a need to develop specific diagnostic tests for women and girls.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM?

Assessment and management

There is no cure for ASD, but the earlier the diagnosis the better the outcome.

Intervention during early childhood is important to promote the optimal development and well-being of people with an ASD. Monitoring of child development as part of routine maternal and child health care is recommended.

Depending on the type of ASD diagnosis, you may find the following helpful:

Attend behavioural and skills training programmes for parents and other caregivers
Reach out to local autism organisation to find out about the services available to you and your child
Collaborate closely with education, employment and social care workers to help make your child physical, social, and attitudinal environments more accessible, inclusive and supportive
Enrolling your child in social skills classes
Encouraging your child to take part in behavioural modification programme for any obsessive tendencies,
Introducing dietary changes to limit artificial sugars and unhealthy options
Looking into differentiated curriculum for advanced learners if appropriate (eg for highly functioning autistic child)
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy as required
Cognitive and occupational therapies for social skill development.

This can help reduce difficulties in communication and social behaviour, with a positive impact on your child’s and family wellbeing and quality of life.

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