What is ASD (autism spectrum disorder)?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
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Autism Information Center
What are the sings and symptoms?
Children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder might:
Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll)
Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)
Not look at objects when another person points at them
Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
Prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk to, play with, or relate to them
Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
Repeat actions over and over again
Have trouble adapting to changes in routine
Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)
Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse if your child loses skills at any age.
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How ASD is diagnosed? There is no medical test for ASDs. Doctors look at behavioral symptoms to make a diagnosis. These symptoms may show up within the first few months of life or may appear at any time before the age of 3.
Typically, a diagnosis is made after a thorough evaluation. Such an evaluation may include clinical observations, parent interviews, developmental histories, psychological testing, speech and language assessments, and possibly the use of one or more of a variety of Autism diagnostic scales. Because ASDs are complex disorders, a comprehensive evaluation may also include physical, neurological, and
genetic testing.
Many tools have been designed to assess ASDs in young children, but no single tool should be used as the only basis for diagnosing Autism. Diagnostic tools usually rely on two main sources of information—parents’ or caregivers’ descriptions of their child’s development and health care professional’s direct observation of behavior.
Examples of Autism diagnostic tools include:
Autism Diagnosis Interview–Revised (ADI–R)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Generic (ADOS–G)
Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS)
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I think my child may have an ASD, but my pediatrician says he or she will catch up. Where else can I go?
Specialists who can diagnose autism include neurologists, developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. For children under 3, many early intervention programs have qualified professionals on staff who can also evaluate your child. Children 5 and older can be evaluated through their local public school system.For tips on how to share your concerns with your pediatrician, visit the First Signs website.
Autism Informational Websites
Ministry of Education-funded programmes.
There are many ways that people who support youngsters with ASD can find out more. This link includes dates for upcoming programmes and seminars in New Zealand and links to local and international conferences and associations.Learn more about the programmes funded by the Ministry of Education, Special Education through the government's Budget.Learning more about Autism
Autism New Zealand Inc: www.autismnz.org.nz
The Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org
The National Autistic Society (NAS): www.nas.org.uk
Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT): www.aspect.org.au
Autism Victoria: www.autismvictoria.org.au
Autism SA: www.autismsa.org.au
Topics in Autism
Immunisation
What are the risks of autism or inflammatory bowel disease? (By IMAC)
Opinions have been voiced that MMR can lead to increased risk of autism or inflammatory bowel disease. But there is strong evidence that MMR does not cause these problems. For example, studies have shown that neither autism nor inflammatory bowel disease has increased in countries after the introduction of the MMR vaccine. For more information in this issue contact
(IMAC) was established to provide information, education and support to health professionals and the public. This interactive website includes details on the diseases and vaccines, including ASD and the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR). IMAC also provide updates of information for vaccinators, commonly asked questions and answers, and a quiz to test yourself on immunisation related knowledge
Address: The University of Auckland, Tamaki Campus,
261 Morrin Road, Gate 1, School of Population Health, (Building 730),
Level 3, Glenn Innes, Auckland, New Zealand.
Phone: 64 9 3737 599 ext 86191
Fax: 64 9 3737 030
Website: www.immune.org.nz
Help line: 0800 IMMUNE (466 863) 
More Information about Thimerosal in Vaccines go to www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm#t1
Bedwetting
Bedwetting treatments that help children maintain their self esteem and confidence while working through the bedwetting stage by Huggies Drynites
For goverment assistance to help parents of children with autism to purchase continence aids, as they may need to use disposable absorbent underwear for a longer time contact for more information regarding assistance, contact the New Zealand Continence Foundation on Freephone 0800 650 659
First Signs - www.firstsigns.org
A site that serves as a "knowledge base" for both parents and physicians regarding the early identification of, and intervention for, developmental disorders, particularly spectrum disorders