| Autism refers to a spectrum of disorders where | | | | and touch. Many young children with autism |
| the child presents with an impairment in social | | | | experience difficulties in developing these skills and |
| interaction skills, communication skills and | | | | early forms of two-way interactions. The causes |
| demonstrates restricted or repetitive | | | | of Autism are unclear however research supports |
| stereotypical type behaviours. Autism is a lifelong | | | | a genetic component and then a disruption in |
| developmental disability which affects the child's | | | | normal brain development. There may be multiple |
| ability to understand what he / she sees, hears | | | | factors or causes that lead to autism and only |
| and senses resulting in problems in social | | | | research will find these answers. Twin and family |
| interaction, communication skills (and use of | | | | studies have suggested an underlying genetic |
| language) and unusual behaviour and interests. | | | | vulnerability to autism and other studies have |
| Children with ASD do not follow the typical | | | | shown that a contributing cause for autism may |
| patterns of child development and their behaviors | | | | be abnormal brain development beginning in the |
| can range from mild to severe. | | | | infant's first year of life. |
| Signs of Autism | | | | How is Autism Diagnosed? |
| Early identification of Autism is ideal as early | | | | Ideally an autism diagnostic team will assess and |
| intervention and treatment has been directly | | | | diagnose autism. The team should be made up of |
| linked with the best outcomes for children with | | | | clinicians specially trained in autism diagnosis and |
| autism. Babies are sociable beings. From early in | | | | include a Paediatrician, Clinical Psychologist and |
| life they turn towards familiar voices, gaze at | | | | Speech Therapist. |
| their parents, smile and are comforted by hugs | | | | |