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Autism is a neurodevelopmental (meaning related to the brain) condition that affects how a person’s brain develops and functions and the way people communicate and interact with the world.
Characteristics generally appear in early childhood often before age of 3, and will be present, in some form, for life.
Autism affects the way individuals interact with others and how they experience the world around them. Every autistic person is different, which means that each person has unique strengths and challenges. Autism can be diagnosed in people of all ages, all cultural backgrounds and economic status.
Core Characteristics
- Challenges with communicating and interacting with others
- Restricted and repetitive and different behaviours, moving their bodies in different ways
- Preferences for routines and dislike change
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to sounds, lights, textures)
What causes autism?
While the exact cause is unknown, evidence suggests that autism results from changes to the development and growth of the brain. These changes may be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental factors.
Conditions that may occur alongside autism
Autism may be present with other conditions. This can affect people in different ways. Some other conditions autistic people commonly experience are:
- Speech and language challenges
- Intellectual disability
- Sleep problems
- Attention problems
- Hyperactivity
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety and depression
- Challenges with fine and gross motor skills
Referral pathways and support services
- Assessment for diagnosis purposes carried out by a multidisciplinary team of a paediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, and speech pathologist.
- Parents/carers can contact the GP/paediatrician for referrals to government funded programs.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) — support for people with disability.
- Commonwealth Carer Gateway — Ph: 1800 422 737, for respite care.
- Autism Connect — free national autism helpline providing independent and expert information over phone, email and webchat, Ph: 1300 308 699.
Autism — Myths Busted
✗ Any treatment they claim can cure autism
✓ There is no cure for autism. In fact, many feel a cure shouldn’t be sought, and consider the idea offensive. Be careful of traditional/religious treatments that claim to cure autism. They can have the opposite effect.
✗ Vaccines cause autism
✓ Autism is complex and appears to be caused by a combination of different genes and environmental influences. There is no scientific evidence supporting this myth.
✗ Children with autism can’t learn
✓ They absolutely can! For some individuals, learning can be challenging, resulting in slower progress. The vast majority of children will improve with therapy, but it has to be effective and tailored to each child.
✗ Autism is caused by bad parenting
✓ Autism is a genetic and neurobiological condition, not the result of parenting style or home environment.
✗ Autistic people do not want friends or relationships
✓ Most autistic individuals desire social connection and meaningful relationships, though social rules can cause anxiety or require extra support.
✗ All autistic people have special skills
✓ Many autistic people have intense special interests and may have a lot of knowledge about a favourite subject, but that’s not the same as having superpowers.
Also available in: العربية | Tiếng Việt | മലയാളം
