Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neuro-developmental condition. It is characterised by:
The worldwide prevalence of ASD is estimated to be about 1%. The local prevalence rates are not known exactly but there are at least 400 new cases diagnosed annually in Singapore.
The probability of someone with ASD having a sibling with ASD is approximately 20%.
There is no one cause of autism. Most cases of autism appear to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
Autism is not caused by a child's upbringing or social circumstances, nor is it the fault of the individual that they have autism.
So far, research has not demonstrated a link between vaccination and autism.
There are some who believe that oral supplements or special diets can help reduce behaviours associated with autism. However, these has not yet been proven with well-conducted trials, so we cannot currently comment on their safety or usefulness.
A child with ASD may have one or more of the following difficulties:
ASD is a spectrum and symptoms may vary from child to child depending on various reasons such as age, developmental level, and severity.
If you have any concerns about your child’s communication, behaviour or social and play skills, or if your child has one or more of the above clinical features, you should inform a healthcare professional(s) as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and intervention is very important.
A full evaluation should be done by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, which may involve a paediatrician specialising in behavioural and developmental paediatrics, a child psychiatrist or psychologist, and a speech or occupational therapist. Doctors may also call for a hearing test to be performed by an audiologist to ensure that hearing loss is not the primary underlying reason for the lack of social communication and interaction.
There are several assessment tools that are available for diagnostic purposes, including the most commonly used Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). These are conducted by psychologists who are trained to use them. Measures of the child’s speech and language skills and intellectual ability also help professionals plan intervention.
Having a formal diagnosis is useful because it helps people with autism and their families or school understand their difficulties and what can be done about them. It also allows people to access services and support.
Early intervention can make a big difference to many children with ASD by improving their skills and quality of life and helping them to be more independent. There are many treatment options for ASD which help improve outcomes for children.
Depending on the child’s presenting difficulties, different therapists (e.g. speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist) may support the development of the child’s skills in specific areas of need such as communication, social interaction, activities of daily living, and play skills. Some children may need more intensive intervention. In Singapore, these may be in the form of early intervention programmes provided by government-funded organisations or private centres.
There are no medications that treat the condition itself. However, some medications may be useful for minimising self-injurious or aggressive behaviours, associated anxiety, hyperactivity, or sleep difficulties in children with ASD.
There are many services that claim to provide complementary alternative treatments that can help children with ASD. However, these have not been proven in clinical trials and there is insufficient high quality evidence to support their use.
Depending on the child's presenting difficulties, different therapists (e.g. speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist) may support the development of the child's skills in specific areas of need such as communication, social interaction, activities of daily living, and play skills. Some children may need more intensive intervention. In Singapore, these may be in the form of early intervention programmes provided by government-funded organisations or private centres.
There are no medications that treat the condition itself. However, some medications may be useful for minimising self-injurious or aggressive behaviours, associated anxiety or hyperactivity, or sleep difficulties in children with ASD.
There are many services that claim to provide complementary alternative treatments that can help children with ASD. However, these have not been proven in clinical trials and there is insufficient high quality evidence to support their use.
1. What is autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
2. Why did the doctor refer my child for an autism assessment?
3. At what age can autism be diagnosed?
5. What tests will the paediatricians and specialists use in the diagnosis of ASD?
6. How is a typical autism assessment like?
7. What can I do to prepare for the autism assessment session?
8. Why is it important to make the diagnosis? Can I wait till my child is much older?
Please note that these are just some common behaviours and this list is not exhaustive.
For sessions with the child:
For parent interviews: