Editorial : Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you’re a parent or guardian, a sibling, a teacher, or a grandparent to a child with autism, we sa­lute you for your dedication and patience.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2.

Leaps and progress have been made since the Unit­ed Nations General Assembly (UNGA) dedicated a day for observance.

From emphasising the importance of raising public awareness of autism when it began, it moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and ap­preciation of autistic people and their contributions to society.

Like many other countries, there is still a lot of awareness that needs to be done in Fiji when it comes to understanding what Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is.

ASD is a developmental disability caused by differ­ences in the brain.

People with ASD often develop issues with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests.

And with autism, there are many different condi­tions.

In many cases, no two people with autism are the same

They have differing developmental abilities and dis­abilities.

They have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

What is more important to note is that while their caregivers or loved ones may seem frustrated with their action or lack thereof, for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging.

It is therefore for this reason that we’ve highlighted the basics of identifying, at the early stages, if your loved one or student has ASD.

According to the United State Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the following social communication and interaction skills related to ASD can include:

• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Does not respond to name by nine months of age
• Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by nine months of age
• Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an ob­ject that they like)
• Does not point to show you something interest­ing by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
• Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age
• Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age, and
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

There are more signs and symptoms of identifying or diagnosing people with ASD, for instance restrict­ed or repetitive behaviours, delayed cognitive or learning skills, hyperactive or inattentive behaviour.

However, as many as there are spectrums of autism, it is important that as a carer, one must be patient, be persistent but resilient, always stay positive, get them into a routine and don’t break it, be affection­ate and respectful, show interest and above all show love.

As we’ve learnt, it’s hard as it is to live with the con­dition, therefore acceptance and love will help them navigate through and be successful in life.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj