Did you know that autism comes from the Greek word autos, meaning “self”? This reflects the experience of many individuals with autism, who may seem to live in a world of their own.
In recent years, however, Netflix series like Atypical and Love on the Spectrum have helped bring autism and neurodiversity into the spotlight. While these shows offer a window into the lives of adolescents and adults with autism as they navigate school, work, and relationships, the reality is far more diverse, with each person’s journey being uniquely their own.
What is autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviours.
Autism in children might look like difficulty making eye contact, preferring to play alone, or having a hard time understanding social cues like facial expressions or tone of voice. They may also develop intense interests in specific topics, such as dinosaurs or trains, and engage in repetitive activities like lining up toys, rocking back and forth, or repeating certain phrases.
The word “spectrum” really captures how different the experiences of children with autism can be. Every child is unique, and their abilities and challenges can vary a lot. Some might have strong language skills, while others may find speaking difficult. And when it comes to support, some kids might need just a little help, while others might need more daily support from a caregiver or parent. It’s all about meeting each child where they are.
What causes autism?
Individuals with ASD are born with autism. When it comes to what causes autism, researchers believe it’s a mix of both genetic and non-genetic factors. Some children are born with genes that make them more likely to develop autism, affecting how their brain develops and how different brain regions communicate with each other.
But it’s not just about genes. Certain environmental factors can also play a role and increase the risk of autism:
- Advanced parental age at time of conception
- Prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides
- Maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders
- Extreme prematurity or very low birth weight
- Any birth difficulty leading to periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain
However, it’s important to note that autism isn’t something a child “catches” from vaccinations or specific parenting styles. It’s a condition children are born with, shaped by a mix of genetic factors and influences during pregnancy and birth.
Is autism a disability?
Another common misconception is that ASD is an illness or disease—it’s not. In the DSM-5, it’s classified as a neurodevelopmental condition, alongside things like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders.
While the term “disorder” is used, it simply means that the brain works differently from those of neurotypical individuals. People with ASD can have any level of intelligence, and though they may need support in some areas, they can thrive and excel in others, just like anyone else.
How do you know if a child has autism?
When autism can be detected
Autism symptoms typically become noticeable to caregivers between 12-24 months, though they can be detected as early as 6 months. In some cases, signs may not fully appear until social demands, like starting school, outpace a child’s abilities. For others, symptoms may be masked by learned coping strategies as they grow older.
However, this “masking” can be emotionally exhausting and may lead to anxiety, depression, or other psychological challenges. As children with autism try to fit in or hide their difficulties, they may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or frustration, especially when they can’t meet the social expectations around them.
Autism symptoms
According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a handbook healthcare professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions, ASD symptoms fall into two categories:
1. Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts such as home, school, and social situations.
- Social-emotional reciprocity (e.g. failure to initiate or respond to social interactions)
- Nonverbal communication behaviours (e.g. abnormalities in eye contact and body language)
- Developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships (e.g. difficulties adjusting behaviour to suit various social contexts)
2. Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours
- Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g. limited repertoire of play behaviours such as repetitively lining up toys or flipping objects)
- Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualised patterns of verbal and nonverbal behaviour (e.g. need to take same route or eat same food everyday)
- Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g. strong preoccupation with unusual objects)
- Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g. adverse response to specific sounds)
In order for an ASD diagnosis to be made, autism symptoms must be present from early childhood and cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
This means that the difficulties a child experiences are not just temporary or age-appropriate behaviours, but persistent issues that affect their ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and engage in school, to the extent that it impacts their overall wellbeing and development.
How is a child diagnosed with autism?
At Intellect Clinic, our clinicians follow a thorough and structured approach to diagnosing autism in children.
The process begins with detailed observations of the child’s behaviour, combined with caregiver history and, when possible, self-reports. This gives clinicians a comprehensive understanding of the child’s developmental and behavioural patterns.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, we also use standardised assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), which provides objective data on the child’s social communication, interaction, and behaviour in different settings.
While doing so, our clinicians also assess for other features commonly associated with ASD, including language delays, intellectual impairments, and motor difficulties. This helps provide a more comprehensive picture of the child’s developmental profile. At the same time, our clinicians will also rule out other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Finally, based on the severity of the child’s symptoms and support needs, we classify the condition into three levels of support:
- Level 1: Requiring support
- Level 2: Requiring substantial support
- Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
This detailed and individualised assessment allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Can autism be cured?
A common question parents ask is, “Will my child grow out of autism?” Unfortunately, autism is a lifelong condition, and there is no cure. However, with the right support and resources, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.
The key to improving outcomes for children with autism is early intervention. The earlier a child receives support, particularly during the preschool years or even earlier, the greater the chance of positive outcomes in areas such as communication, social skills, and learning. Early interventions can also reduce challenging behaviours and help children build essential skills for the future.
Some of the common interventions include:
- Support for families: Helping parents and caregivers understand autism and learn how to best support their child’s development.
- Speech therapy: Focused on improving communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
- Physical therapy: Helping with motor coordination and physical skills, such as balance and movement.
- Nutrition services: Addressing dietary needs and any challenges related to eating habits.
In addition to these services, various psychotherapeutic interventions are effective in addressing specific challenges such as social difficulties, emotional regulation, and communication issues.
- Behavioural management therapy: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), for instance, focuses on encouraging positive behaviours, like following instructions or engaging in appropriate social interaction, through reinforcement. A child may receive a reward (like a favourite toy or extra playtime) every time they appropriately ask for help, instead of engaging in disruptive behaviour when they need assistance.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): CBT is especially helpful for addressing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges often co-occurring with autism. A child might work with a therapist to replace anxious thoughts (e.g., “I won’t make friends”) with more balanced thoughts (e.g., “I can try talking to someone and see how it goes”). Over time, this helps them manage their anxiety in social situations.
- Educational and school-based therapies: These therapies typically involve close collaboration with teachers and specialists to ensure the child receives the support, accommodations, and modifications they need to succeed. This might include using a visual schedule to help the child understand the structure of their day or maintaining a consistent routine to provide predictability and comfort.
- Parent-mediated therapy: When parents actively engage in therapy with their child, they help reinforce skills in real-life situations. For instance, a therapist might use toys to encourage the child to look at something and then back at them, improving joint attention. By practising this at home, parents can support their child’s social development.
- Social skills training: These programmes support children with autism in improving social skills by teaching them to recognise social cues, initiate conversations, and engage in sharing. For example, a child might practise greeting peers or taking turns during a game, while the therapist role-plays various social situations to guide appropriate responses.
Intellect Clinic: Autism treatment in Singapore
As a parent, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed when you suspect your child may have autism or receive a diagnosis. You might find yourself confused by their symptoms, concerned about how they’ll navigate the world, or even grieving the expectations you had for their future.
However, it’s important to remember that children with autism, just like everyone else, have unique strengths and talents. With the right support, they can truly thrive and reach their full potential.
Our clinicians are here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your child’s needs, offering strategies for coping, socialising, and managing mood challenges, and supporting your family every step of the way.
Reach out to schedule an assessment today.
