World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated globally on April 2.<\/p>\n
This year the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) highlighted some facts surrounding autism.<\/p>
\u201cAutism is found across all countries, ethnic groups and socio-economic classes, affecting about one to two per cent of the global population, yet resources that can improve the lives of those affected by autism are mainly limited to those who can pay for them,\u201d SASOP said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccess to early screening, treatment and education can pave the way for a better quality of life for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but a lack of awareness, trained professionals and support limits this in especially lower-income communities in South Africa, Africa and the world.\u201d<\/p>
In many affluent societies, ASD is usually diagnosed by the time a child is three years old, as the symptoms are seen early on in a child\u2019s development and behaviours \u2013 the ways they play, learn, speak or behave, particularly in a social context.<\/p>\n
It is diagnosed three to four times more often in boys than girls.<\/p>\n
There are no typical biological or physical symptoms of ASD, so screening and diagnosis are made clinically on the basis of detailed developmental history, behavioural observation, and using specifically-designed assessment tools.<\/p>\n
What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?:<\/strong><\/p>\n Autism spectrum disorders, often referred to simply with the umbrella term \u201cautism\u201d, or \u201cbeing on the spectrum\u201d, incorporate disorders previously diagnosed separately \u2013 \u201cclassic\u201d autism, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not specified (PDD-NOS).<\/p>\n They are developmental disorders linked to early brain development. The causes are not clear, although genetics are believed to play a role, as well as environmental factors.<\/p>\n Mental health professionals emphasise that ASD is not a psychological, emotional or behavioural disorder \u2013 children with autism are not \u201cjust badly behaved\u201d. It is a brain-based, neuro-psychiatric condition that requires treatment and support.<\/p>\n ASD results in difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, sensory perception (either heightened or lowered sense of touch, taste, smell, sight or hearing) and patterns of narrow interests, cognitive (thought) patterns and repetitive behaviours.<\/p>\n SASOP member Dr Wendy Duncan, president of the South African Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP), explained ASD was previously thought of as occurring only in western industrialised countries, \u201cHowever, we now know this not to be true,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cASD is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a global public health concern, but almost all that we know about it comes from western, high-income countries.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a need for more research in South Africa, Africa and the developing world to understand the nature and prevalence of autism, so that a better response can be developed to assist families and communities, guidance be provided to public health policymakers, appropriate diagnostic tools can be developed and resources, such as support and education, can be provided.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2015 there were just 50 specialist child and adolescent psychiatrists serving the entire population of sub-Saharan Africa, Duncan explained, pointing to the need for training for health professionals, from primary care level through to specialised professionals, in order to improve early detection of autism and assist families with access to support.<\/p>\n \u201cManaging ASD and ensuring a better quality of life for those affected by autism starts with raising awareness among parents, caregivers, teachers and primary healthcare staff to recognise symptoms and access screening tools to provide the correct diagnosis and provide treatment,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Duncan went on to explain that early diagnosis and intervention were the key to equipping the child and their family with the skills and resources needed to ensure the best possible quality of life, taking into account that there is remarkable development that takes place in early childhood.<\/p>\n \u201cAccess to education for children with autism is crucial,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWith those in the ‘mild’ area of the spectrum often able to be included in mainstream education provided there is particular recognition of their individual needs, while children at a more severe level need more intensive intervention and specialised education.<\/p>\n \u201cEducation plays a critical role in assisting those with autism to develop the social and communication skills to integrate and cope as far as possible with the world around them.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the other hand, education of the community at large is important in helping families, educators and communities to modify their expectations of the individual with ASD.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the \u201cred flags\u201d that should be referred to a doctor or child development specialist, such as a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist, include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Little awareness of, or disinterest in others, difficulty in interacting socially, lack of eye contact.<\/p>\n \u2022 Social interactions predicated mainly on the child\u2019s particular interests.<\/p>\n \u2022 Distress caused by changes in routine or environment, especially extreme distress for no apparent reason.<\/p>\n \u2022 Non-typical patterns of play, preferring to play alone, lack of imaginative play, repetitive behaviours or unusual habits, such as rocking, flapping hands or constantly spinning objects.<\/p>\n \u2022 Gross or fine motor skill development that doesn\u2019t match the usual developmental milestones.<\/p>\n \u2022 Rigid thinking style that may be without humour.<\/p>\n \u2022 A dislike of being touched or held, or a sense of touch, taste, smell, sight or hearing that seems extra-sensitive, or less sensitive than usual; may result in very rigid food preferences.<\/p>\n \u2022 Delayed or non-typical development of speech and language or the child appears not to hear.<\/p>\n \u2022 Difficulties holding the perspective of another.<\/p>\n Management strategies for ASD:<\/strong><\/p>\n There is no specific medication for ASD itself, although medication may be prescribed for other conditions that exist alongside ASD, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, anxiety or other neurological conditions.<\/p>\n Medication responses in children with ASD may not be typical and this arm of treatment often requires the input of a specialist.<\/p>\n Treatment generally starts with interventions that coach parents and caregivers on how to engage with a child with ASD.<\/p>\n Knowing what to expect and how to support a child with ASD has been found to have positive effects on the child\u2019s social interaction, communication and behaviour.<\/p>\n Because of the differences in symptoms and severity of ASD, a family would usually work with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to develop a programme best suited to the individual child.<\/p>\n These would typically aim to improve communication, cognitive and social skills, reduce distress for the child\/individual and make positive behaviour changes.<\/p>\n Where to find out more and get help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Autism South Africa advocates for greater awareness of autism, to educate the public, educators and policymakers and offers information resources, support and training for parents, caregivers and community organisations working with autism.<\/p>\n Their practical, easy to understand guide to autism is published in seven of South Africa\u2019s official languages.<\/p>\n Find out more at www.aut2know.co.za.<\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nSigns of ASD:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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