Autism is a disorder of the brain that causes the child to develop in a different way. In particular, people with autism have difficulties with communication and socialization. They may also have challenging behaviors, restricted interests or repetitive behaviour. Signs of this condition may begin to appear either from birth or after a period of normal development of the young child.

The centers for disease control and preventions most recent estimate is that 1 out of every 59 children, or 16.8 per 1,000, have some form of ASD as of 2014

The research done so far in this area suggests that autism often develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or environmental, influences. These influences appear to increase the risk that a child will develop autism. However, it’s important to keep in mind that increased risk is not the same as cause. For example, some gene changes associated with autism can also be found in people who don’t have the disorder. Similarly, not everyone exposed to an environmental risk factor for autism will develop the disorder. In fact, most will not.

Each person with autism is very different but they have some things in common with each other:

Social interactions:

• May look away from people
• May appear to ignore what people are saying
• May move away from people

Communication:

• May remain silent
• May talk to objects
• May repeat what they are saying
• May say the same things over and over

Play:

• May not be able to play with toys as they were designed
• May not be able to pretend play with friends or with toys
• May only be interested in one thing (i.e. trains, balls, or string)
• May only do the same thing over and over (i.e. line up cars, turn wheels)

Unusual Behaviour:

• May like too much order or sameness
• May dislike change
• May be attracted to spinning or rotating objects such as wheels, fans, etc.
• May exhibit unusual facial and bodily movements like grimacing, jumping, hand flapping
• May laugh inappropriately and frequently
• May become upset for no apparent reason
• May show unusual response to sensations

• May appear to be indifferent to pain, heat or cold

Parents have an essential role in providing support to a child with an autism spectrum disorder. If you suspect your child has autism, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor and follow his/her instructions to get your child diagnosed for autism. Once the child receives the diagnosis, parents can help to ensure access to health services and therapies and offer a nurturing and stimulating environment to promote skill development. with adequate training parents can also help deliver psychosocial and behavioural treatments to their own children.