What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects a person’s brain and nervous system. It impacts how they communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is a lifelong disability that starts when a person is born and stays with them into old age. Every Autistic person is different to every other. This is why autism is described as a ‘spectrum’. Aspect describes autism as a different brilliant.
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Key points about ASD
Spectrum Disorder
It's important to understand that autism isn't a single condition, but rather a spectrum. This means that every individual with ASD experiences it differently, with varying degrees of challenges and strengths.
Social communication and interaction challenges
This can include difficulty with understanding and using non-verbal communication, making and maintaining friendships, and understanding social cues.
Sensory processing differences
They may be over- or under-sensitive to sights, sounds, smells, touch, and taste.
Restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests
This can include repetitive movements, strong adherence to routines, intense focus on specific interests, and sensory sensitivities.
Learning and cognitive differences
Some individuals with ASD may have learning difficulties, while others may excel in specific areas.
Difficulties with motor skills
Some people with ASD may have challenges with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.
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Fort Healthcare is the leading Allied Health Clinic in Sydney. We provides comprehensive services of physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, chiropractic, exercise physiology, dietetic, podiatry, speech pathology, remedial massage, pelvic floor physiotherapy, neuropsychology, acupuncture and so on.
What causes autism?
Causes: The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Diagnosis: There is no single test for autism, and diagnosis is usually made by a team of professionals based on a child’s developmental history, observations, and standardized assessments.
Our experienced clinical psychologists and clinical neuropsychologists at Fort Healthcare provide comprehensive ASD assessments and reports.
How can Autism be treated?
There is no cure for autism, but there are many effective treatments and interventions that can help individuals with ASD reach their full potential.
ASD is a dynamic disorder. Each person with ASD has a unique experience, which is influenced by many different factors. That is why autism is thought of as a spectrum. Treatment programs specifically tailored to individual needs often have the best results.
Intensive educational programs and therapies can teach language and social skills.
Speech pathology at Fort Healthcare focuses on developing communication and social skills.
Occupational therapy at Fort Healthcare can support participation and independence as well as sensory motor development. For example, play skills, fine motor skills and learning how to cope in different environments.
Psychology and Neuropsychology at Fort Healthcare focus on behavioural support and mental health if people with ASD also have a mental illness or behaviour problems.
When should I seek for professional advice?
If you think your child has ASD, see your doctor or contact us. Early intervention offers the best outcomes for children with ASD, whether their traits are obvious or subtle.
There may be different signs of autism at different ages.
Fort Healthcare provides ASD assessments and interventions (including Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology) for people of all ages.
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Health Direct:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/autism
Autism Spectrum Australia: