What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition. It affects how people behave and interact with the world around them.

People with ASD will all have different experiences and need different levels of support. Along with some challenges, a person with autism will also have a range of strengths.

Health professionals used to think that Asperger's syndrome and autism were separate conditions. It is now understood that they are both part of one condition, called autism spectrum disorder or ASD.

About 1 in 100 Australians has ASD.

What are the symptoms of ASD?

The main symptoms related to ASD fall into 2 broad areas:

• difficulty with social interactions and communication
• restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests

The features of ASD usually start in infancy, but they may not be noticeable until the age of 18 months or older. Sometimes ASD is only noticed much later in life.

Children

For young children with ASD, signs of social difficulties may include:

• lack of social exchanges such as pointing or showing you things
• reacting to other people in an unusual way
• frequently wanting to be alone
• delayed speech or repeating specific words over and over
• avoiding eye contact

Signs of behavioural difficulties in young children may include:

• excessively following routines and excessive distress at changes
• repetitive movements, such as flapping hands, rocking or spinning things
• strongly reacting to sensory input, such as loud sounds or crowded places
• restricted interests, such as only playing with certain toys
• frequent tantrums

There may be different signs of autism at different ages. In older children with ASD, signs may include:

• trouble understanding body language and social cues
• following instructions very strictly
• difficulty making friends
• restricted interests, such as only talking about certain topics
• aggressive behaviour

Adults

In adults, ASD symptoms may include:

• extreme sensitivity to the environment, such as noises or lights
• feeling isolated
• interpreting words and concepts literally
• extreme attention to detail
• anxiety in social situations and having trouble making conversation
• a preference for solitude
• becoming overwhelmed easily

What causes ASD?

ASD is caused by differences in how the brain develops. It is not fully understood why this happens. There is probably a genetic component, since you are more likely to have ASD if someone in your family also has autism.

Research into other potential causes is ongoing.

Autism is not caused by:

• vaccinations
• specific foods
• your cultural or social surroundings
• bad parenting

When should I see my doctor?

If you think your child has ASD, see your doctor or child health nurse. A formal diagnosis will enable your child to receive the help and support they need.

If you are an adult and you think you may have symptoms of ASD, consider talking to a health professional about it. It’s your choice if you want to find out whether you have ASD.

How is ASD diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks your child may have ASD, they will refer you to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis. This may be a paediatrician, a psychiatrist or a psychologist.

The specialist uses a set of standard tests, such as questionnaires and checklists, to make a diagnosis. They will ask you questions about your child’s development and behaviour and observe the way your child acts and plays. This may require a few appointments.

A diagnosis of ASD will also include assigning your child a level between 1 and 3. This refers to how much support your child requires — 1 being the lowest level of support and 3 being the highest.

ASD in females

There are 3 times more males than females diagnosed with ASD. It is thought that ASD is underdiagnosed in females. There are several reasons for this.

Studies show that females with autism have different symptoms compared to males with autism. Females are more likely to have:

• stronger language and communication skills
• a stronger ability to hide their symptoms by copying how others behave in social situations (masking)
• less aggression

Doctors and teachers may be less familiar with the signs of ASD in females. The tests used to diagnose ASD are also more likely to detect symptoms that are more common in males.

Many females find out they have autism in adulthood.

How can I manage ASD?

Many therapies and supports are available to help your child learn the skills they need for everyday life.

Finding the right program for your child can be confusing. You can visit Autism: What Next? to guide you through this process.

Ensure that the therapies, treatments and supports you choose are evidence-based — meaning that scientific research has shown them to be helpful. Avoid treatments that offer a ‘cure’ or ‘recovery’. There is no evidence to support these claims.

Young children

It’s best to start treatment as early as possible. The right support and programs will help your child improve their social skills, learn to manage their emotions and reach developmental goals. Treatment programs tailored to individual needs often have the best results.

You may choose for your child to attend a supported playgroup or an early learning centre for children with ASD.

School-aged children

Children with ASD can go to a mainstream or special school. Find out more about schooling options for children with ASD.

Different therapies may be helpful for your child:

• Educational programs can help with learning.
• Speech pathology focuses on developing communication skills.
• Occupational therapy can help with fine motor skills and managing sensitivity to the environment.
• Psychological therapies or social skills groups can provide support.

Find out if your child is eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which can help provide funding for therapies.

People with ASD may also have another mental health disorder, such as anxiety. Talk to your doctor about getting treatment under a mental health care treatment plan.

Adults

If you are an adult with ASD, there are different ways to get the help you need. Therapies that may be helpful include these:

• Occupational therapy can help you with skills for work or study.
• Psychological therapies can help you manage your emotions and function in social situations.
• Speech pathology can help you improve your communication skills.

You may wish to seek help with accommodation options, finding work or attending a social group for adults with autism. Visit Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood for more information.

Misunderstandings about ASD

There are many misunderstandings about ASD that can be harmful. These make it harder for people with ASD to get the support they need.

Here are some facts about ASD that are often misunderstood:

• Most people with ASD want to make friends — they just find this difficult.
• People with ASD have the same emotions as other people — they just might show them differently.
• Some people with ASD have an intellectual disability and learn more slowly than others, but most do not.
• There is no cure for ASD, but people with ASD can develop skills for life with the right support.

People with ASD are ‘neurodivergent’. This means that different people’s brains work in different ways, and that being different from what is ‘typical’ or common is not necessarily a problem. The term neurodivergent also includes those with conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Sometimes the term ‘high-functioning’ is used to describe someone with autism. It is usually used to clarify that they do not have an intellectual disability. This term is not accurate, as someone with ASD with normal intelligence may still have difficulty with their day-to-day functioning. Characterising ASD this way can prevent people with ASD from receiving the support they need.

Personal stories — video

Support for carers

Caring for a person with ASD is a lifelong commitment. There are support services available such as counselling and respite. You may want to join a support group. Carers Gateway can give practical information and useful resources. You can also learn more about carers' support and services in your state or territory through Carers Australia.

Autism Awareness Australia also offers self-care tips and helpful links and resources.

Resources and support

For more information about ASD visit:

• Amaze
• The Spectrum
• Autism Awareness Australia

To find out more about specific therapies for ASD, visit Raising Children Network.