What is Autism?

Autism is a life-long condition of a developmental disability, affecting the individual’s understanding of what he/she sees, hears and senses. As a result, people with autism can have problems in social relationships, communication and behaviour.

Autism affects approximately one in five hundred people and boys are more likely to be affected than girls. It affects all ethnic and social groups. The cause of autism remains unknown, however it is definitely not caused by poor parenting (as was once believed). Understanding of autism has improved greatly over the years, although there is no known cure.

What are the features of autism?

Autism is a developmental disability. A person with autism will have significant difficulties in several areas of his/her development. Individuals with autism typically show uneven skill development. All people with autism will have problems with communication, social interaction and behaviour, regardless of the level of intellectual functioning. The degree of severity of characteristics differs from person to person, but can include the following:

Communication: Autism affects the ability of a person to understand the meaning and purpose of body language and the spoken and written word. There may be delay or absence in language development, difficulties understanding speech, difficulties using language, difficulties understanding and using gesture.

Social Interaction: Social interaction is an essential part of life for most people. For people with autism being sociable is difficult. Problems usually occur with: understanding relationships, relating to others, maintaining eye contact, forming friendships, understanding other peoples' thoughts and feelings. Some appear to withdraw and become isolated; others try very hard to be sociable but never seem to get it right.

Variable Sensory Responses - may appear to be deaf, may appear to have selective hearing, may use peripheral vision, may show extreme fear reactions, apparent insensitivity to pain, may show lack of responsiveness to cold or heat, may overreact to any of these

Intellectual Functioning - uneven pattern of skills, some things may be done quite well in relation to overall functioning eg memorising dates, numbers, advertising jingles, the majority of people with autism have varying degrees of intellectual disability

Activities and Interests - Restricted range of activities and interests: unusual repetitive body movements eg hand flicking, spinning or rocking. walking on tip-toe, rigidity in routines, obsessive and ritualistic behaviour eg peeling paint/wallpaper, smelling food before eating, resistance to and difficulty adapting to change

Play - lack of imaginative play eg make-believe games, play inappropriate to the function of the toy eg spinning wheels, lining up Textas, may have difficulty learning through imitations

How is Autism diagnosed?

Assessments are provided by most Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, specialist paediatricians and child psychiatrists, and private teams or clinics. If affected, most children will show signs of autism by two years of age, but a diagnosis may not be confirmed until three years of age, and sometimes older.

The main criteria used for diagnosis are:

• qualitative impairment in verbal and non verbal communication
• qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interaction
• markedly restricted number of activities and interests and impaired imaginative play
• symptoms evident during first 30 months of life

Autism may be diagnosed using the above criteria, or there may be varying amounts of disability in other areas of development which result in diagnosis of conditions called Asperger Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD - NOS). These developmental disabilities are referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders. People with these disorders are affected differently, but all require specialised assistance and support.

What is the Treatment for Autism?

Behavioural and Developmental Therapy:

There is no one therapy or approach to the treatment of autistic disorders. The needs of each person vary greatly. Specialised educational approaches enhance development in social, language, self-help, co-operation and other basic skills. These are best when provided controlled, consistent, predictable and organised routines to assist children to progress with learning. Early intervention is highly desirable.

Most able. Most school aged children will be eligible for assistance with Government programs for students with disabilities and impairments. Children benefit greatly from being with their peers and may attend a specialist school, or a mainstream school with additional support.

Medications:

Medication has no specific role in autism; however some may be useful to manage co-existing conditions eg. anticonvulsants are required if epilepsy develops, and medications may be prescribed to treat aggression, depression, anxiety, etc, if they develop. These would be prescribed by a suitably qualified medical practitioner.

Diet Therapy:

All people benefit from a diet that is nutritionally adequate. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has produced dietary guidelines for Australians to promote healthy eating. Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods including grains and cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat foods daily is an important part of a healthy diet.

Children need appropriate food and physical activity for normal physical growth and development. It is important to achieve an adequate food intake to balance the physical activity and growth of childhood and adolescence.

There have been some suggestions that a casein-free/gluten-free diet may be beneficial in the treatment of Autism. Significant research into the role of this diet has been undertaken by the Autism Research Unit of the University of Sunderland, UK.

It is strongly recommended that anyone considering such dietary management should seek the support of their medical practitioner and a knowledgeable dietitian. The dietary restrictions can be challenging. It is recommended that you discuss your child’s diet with a dietitian to ensure that it includes all of the important nutrients for growthand development.

How Can Orgran Products Assist Me?

The entire range of Orgran products are gluten free & casein free. For those choosing to follow a gluten-free/casein-free diet for the management of autism, Orgran products are ideal. For those wanting to follow general principles of healthy eating, you can enjoy the benefits of alternative grains, with Orgran products that are also low fat, and do not have added sucrose. Orgran’s great range of pastas, crispbreads, bread and baking mixes, breakfast cereals, biscuits and fruit snacks are a delicious inclusion in a nutritious diet.

Who Can I contact for More Support?

Autism Victoria
PO Box 235,
Ashburton
Vic 3147
Phone: (03) 9885 0533
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Autism association of NSW
Cook St
Forestville 2087
Phone: (02) 8977 8300
web: http://www.autismnsw.com.au/

Autism Queensland
Sunnybank Hills Headquarters Therapy Centre
437 Hellawell Rd
Sunnybank Hills, 4109
Phone: (07) 3273 0000