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developmental disability, including or paediatricians for symptoms A multi-disciplinary assessment
autism. However, the continent and signs of autism is crucial is required including a
also suffers the burden of lack of because it allows for early referral physical examination, hearing
awareness, resources and appropriately for further evaluation by trained screening, communication and
trained healthcare providers. specialists in the field. Once a psychological tests as well as
diagnosis is established, the early metabolic and genetic testing
regular screening of infants and initiation of treatment increases the to exclude other conditions
toddlers by general practitioners likelihood of a better outcome. which can resemble autism.

Diagnosis of ASD Older children: • Abnormal social interactions such as often
The three steps for AsD diagnosis are: • Developmental regression preferring to be alone, difficulty making
step 1: knowledge of the signs • Delayed language development and speech friends, no understanding of the other person’s
abnormalities
feelings and not expressing their own feelings
step 2: getting your child screened • Persistent repetition of words or phrases • Absence of typical responses to pain and injury
step 3: Accessing professional (echolalia) • Abnormal play, absence of normal pretend
healthcare services. • Restricted interests/focus, for example play, fascination with objects that are not
obsessing over, and attachment to, one toy typical toys, spending hours watching objects
• Changes in routine often met with resistance such as, for example, fans, traffic lights, or
Developmental milestone symptoms or anger running water
which may be of concern • Repetitive purposeless behaviours such as • Self-injurious behaviours such as self-biting,
spinning, flapping of hands or rocking
At six months of age: • Unusual reactions or excessive or unexpected picking at the skin and head punching or
banging
• No regular smiling or display of joy lack of reaction to environmental stimuli such as • Recurrent abdominal symptoms, especially
• Eye contact is poor or absent sounds, lights, taste or colours diarrhoea or constipation.
• No babbling.

At nine months of age:
• Not imitating or making sounds
• No smiling or mimicking of facial expressions.

At 12 months of age:
• Limited or no babbling
• Limited or no imitating of gestures, pointing
or waving
• No response to their name.

At 16 months of age:
• Few or no words spoken at all
• No pointing to objects of interest.

At 24 months of age:
• Difficulty putting together 2-word phrases in
a meaningful way
• Choosing to imitate, echo and repeat as the
predominant means of communication.

Treatment Conclusion There are also some community-based
Individual intensive interventions Having a child with autism is organisations that parents can access
including behavioural, educational unexpected and often difficult for support, such as Autism south Africa
and psychological components to cope with. Being aware of the and the Autism Parent Network which
are currently the most effective signs and seeking early assessment can aid affected families in various ways.
treatments of autistic disorder. will result in the most favourable
Medications may be used to outcomes. regular visits to The prognosis in people with autism
treat associated behavioural healthcare providers are advised. The is directly linked to their IQ. Low
and movement issues. assessment is done and diagnosis functioning individuals may never be
confirmed by a multi-disciplinary able to live independently and will
Parents, teachers, paediatricians and team, including a developmental require lifelong care. However, high
other healthcare providers are advised paediatrician, audiologist, speech functioning individuals can lead very
to seek the assistance of professionals therapist, occupational therapist and successful lives, living independently,
involved in early intervention psychologist, all of whom should having a career, getting married
programmes for children with autism. have experience in this field. and having children of their own.

20 Waterfall Issue 4 2020