Autism spectrum disorder, its full name, describes a range of similar conditions, including Asperger syndrome, that affects a person’s social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.
Around one in every 100 people in the UK are estimated to have autism, and it is more boys that are diagnosed with the condition than girls.
In children symptoms can be present before three years of age, but the disorder can be diagnosed later on in a person’s life.
Some features of autism may not become noticeable until a change of situation, but the way to find out if you or your child have it if though an extensive test.
Specifically for adults with autism, the National Autistic Society (NAS) says it is quite common for people to have gone through life without an autism diagnosis, feeling that somehow they do not quite fit in.
It adds: “Many people learn to copy with life in their own ways, although this can be hard work. They might be married or living with a partner, have families or successful careers. Others may be more isolated and find things much more of a struggle.
“It is up to you whether you decide to seek a diagnosis and some people are happy to remain self-diagnosed. The only way to know for sure whether you are autistics is to get a formal diagnosis.”
Most adults see a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or multidisciplinary team for their diagnosis.
According to person will usually be assessed as having NAS, a person will usually be assessed as having had persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests, since early childhood, to the extent that these ‘limit and impair everyday functioning’.
So what are signs and symptoms of autism in children?
In pre-school children, delayed speech development is a sign, according to the NHS. For example, speaking less than 50 different words by the age of two, or not speaking at all.
A pre-school child may also not respond to their name been called, despite having normal hearing, not be aware of other people’s personal space, and show repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands.
In children of school age, they may prefer to avoid using spoken language, react unusually negatively when asked to do something by someone else, show little interest in interacting with other people, and develop a highly specific interest in a particular subject or activity.
An extensive list of symptoms is available on the NHS Choices website.
If your child shows any symptoms of autism you can see your GP or health visitor who can refer you to a healthcare professional to carry out a series of tests.
The diagnosis of autism is based on the range of features your child is showing.
A speech and language therapist, and often an occupational therapist will carry out an assessment, and a physical examination will need to be carried out to rule out possible physical causes of symptoms.
Some children may be asked to attend a series of interviews so a detailed history of the child’s development can be drawn up, or your child may be asked to attend a series of appointments so specific skills and activities can be observed and assessed.
Pregnant women who are overweight before they conceive run a 65 per cent greater risk of having a baby with autism, research suggests.
