Autistic Spectrum Disorder

What is it?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe individuals who have difficulties in the following areas:

  • in their ability to understand and use non-verbal and verbal communication
  • in their ability to interpret social behaviour which in turn affects their ability to interact with others
  • in their ability to think and behaving flexibly

These areas are known as the "Triad of Impairments" and are used for formal diagnosis.

The World Health Organisation uses the broader definition of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), recognizing the breadth of the impact of these difficulties on most aspects of an individual’s life.

Ability to understand and use non-verbal and verbal communication

The ability to be able to understand language in all its forms including intention, emotion, relevance, context and consequence is affected in people with ASD. People with ASD will have difficulty understanding the meaning of gestures, facial expression or tone of voice, and language can be interpreted very literally.

Ability to interpret social behaviour which in turns affects
their ability to interact with others

People with ASD have difficulties understanding and interpreting other people’s behaviour, especially in social situations where different responses are needed in order to suit the occasion. They find it difficult to understand why people are so concerned about what other people think of them or know when people are being sarcastic or making a joke. They may not understand the consequences of their actions on the people they meet.

Difficulty with thinking and behaving flexibly

People with ASD have difficulties with knowing how to react or respond to people or situations that are new to them or vary, even slightly, from previous experiences. Small changes may mean they will need to relearn how to deal with a specific situation or undertake a task.

Each person is unique

In supporting people with ASD it is important to understand that people are individuals and all of the following will impact on the way in which people are affected and subsequently their ability to function without support:

  • Severity of the autism
  • Level of learning ability
  • Level of language ability
  • Past experiences
  • Personal qualities
  • Other health factors, such as physical differences or mental health issues

Cause

There are many research projects currently being undertaken to look at the causes of ASD. Most researchers believe that there may be a variety of causes for ASD. Further information can be accessed from the following websites:

Prevalence

It is estimated that up to 91 per 10,000 people have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Some 20 per 10,000 will have ASD and some learning difficulties and 71 per 10,000 will have ASD and no learning difficulties (Information from the National Autistic Society factsheet).

Not all people who suffer from an ASD will need to live in a supported environment, however, nearly all will need specialist help or input at some point during their life.

There are people who are able to live in the community but who are isolated and not receiving any support as their needs are not recognised. Some people have told us that living alone like this they feel vulnerable, exposed and insecure. There is currently no remit for local authorities to address their needs

Diagnosis

A careful diagnosis will help the person, their family, carers and friends to understand and can enable the appropriate educational, therapeutic, and support services to be identified and provided.

An accurate, early diagnosis may be difficult to obtain and it is always worth seeking a medical assessment from professionals who have knowledge of ASD. Confusion with other language/learning disorders such as Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Disorder is not uncommon, especially in younger children.