WORDS HANNAH MAY-LEE WONG

It is estimated by the World Health Organization that 1-in-160 children worldwide has autism spectrum disorder. Over the past 50 years, this number seems to be increasing. In this Part 1, an expert explains the increase in prevalence can be attributed to factors such as improved awareness, better diagnostic tools and the expansion of diagnostic criteria.

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness day. The reason behind this initiative was to reaffirm and promote the importance of equal rights, especially among those with disability. The end goal is the hope that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives. Although awareness on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has improved significantly over the years, stigma, discrimination and unmet health needs are still challenges that persist among those with autism. This month, we highlight ASD once more, as we have a chat with special education specialist, Gan Huey Sien.

It is estimated by the World Health Organization that 1-in-160 children worldwide has autism spectrum disorder. Over the past 50 years, this number seems to be increasing. In this Part 1, an expert explains the increase in prevalence can be attributed to factors such as improved awareness, better diagnostic tools and the expansion of diagnostic criteria.

WHAT IS ASD AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Autism is a developmental condition. It affects how a person communicates and how they relate to people. But, while people with ASD may all share similar characteristics, there are different levels of severity to autism. Thus, autism is named autism spectrum disorder. Common characteristics of people with ASD include difficulty in communication, delay in speech and language, and having problems with social skills. Some of them have challenging behaviours, but most of the time, these behaviours are a result of their inability to communicate and relate to people.

“THE EXACT CAUSE OF AUTISM REMAINS UNKNOWN”

It’s common for people with ASD to have repetitive behaviour, for example, hand flapping or rocking. Some may display peculiar play patterns, for example, liking to watch a certain part of a video repeatedly. Some kids with ASD who have less difficulty in language may perseverate, which is to talk about the same topic they are interested in over and over again.

WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?

The exact cause of autism remains unknown. However, we do know that it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People who are born with certain genes are at higher risk of developing autism. Environmental factors such as advanced age of the parents when they conceive and exposure to certain medication or chemicals during pregnancy are risk factors of having a child with autism.

IS THERE A CURE?

There is no cure for autism, but there are treatment and intervention options available including: applied behaviour analysis and early intensive behavioural treatment. These can be done in-collaboration with occupational therapy and speech therapy, to overall help children with ASD get better at everyday tasks. That said, it is important that parents are aware whether the treatment and intervention methods chosen for their child is evidence based. For more information, check out: https:// asatonline.org. HT

References: 1. United Nations. World Autism Awareness Day. Retrieved from: http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/background.shtml 2. WHO. Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders

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