In the first of our three-part series on autism,
Rebecca Simpson
explains what autism is – and isn’t.
the facts
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here’s a lot of confusion on
parenting forums about
the causes of autism, which
makes it a hot topic. It’s
such a dynamic discussion and one
that can be difficult to navigate. In this
first article of a series of three,
Playtimes
explores the roots of the autism
discussion – what is autism, what are
the signs and how do Hong Kong
mums go about seeking help if they’re
concerned?
What is autism?
Autism is also referred to under the
umbrella term of autism spectrum
disorders, or ASD. The World Health
Organisation defines ASD as: “…a
group of complex brain development
disorders. This umbrella term covers
conditions such as autism, childhood
disintegrative disorder and Asperger
syndrome. These disorders are
characterized by difficulties in social
interaction and communication, and
a restricted and repetitive repertoire
of interests and activities.” Officially,
autism affects one child in every 160
as a global average, but some studies
show that this average is increasing,
although some experts believe this
may be due to increased awareness,
better diagnosis and a broader
definition of autistim spectrum
disorders (ASD).
Dr David Fischer, behavioural
consultant at Autism Partnership in
Hong Kong, explains, “Autism is a
pervasive developmental disorder.
That means it affects every area of
a child’s development. It can affect
different areas to different degrees,
but autism has a profound impact
across an individual’s entire life.” He
continues, “From a diagnostic point
of view, you’re looking at two areas
primarily – an individual’s social
behaviour and social capacity; and the
other area is behavioural.”
Signs of autism
Autism presents uniquely from one
child to the next, and that’s one of
the reasons why it can be very
difficult to identify whether or
not an individual has autism.
However, Dr Fischer shares
some common traits that
might act as red
flags for a child being
at risk of
an ASD diagnosis.
These include:
1. Limited
eye contact.
Babies, even
if they
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