Dr Cindy Htet of Parkes Street General Practice in Helensburgh helps to explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to concerned parents. 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. It is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others and experiences their environment.

What are signs that parents should be aware of?

The important signs are: does not babble or coo by 12 months of age; does not gesture by 12 months; does not say single words by 16 months; has any loss of any language or social skill at any age; and does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months of age.

How young can children present with symptoms?

Symptoms emerge during the first two years of life. Developmental problems before the first birthday have been reported by parents, but the majority express concerns regarding language development and social relatedness by the age of two years.

Early developmental differences include failing to have an anticipatory posture, such as reaching out to be picked up, and absent or reduced visual attention to social stimuli, smiling in response to others, vocalisation and exploration of objects. Regression and loss of communication and social skills are also observed in 20 to 40% of cases. Diagnosis is clear by 30-36 months.

However, symptoms are apparent during the second year of life, causing impairments in three main areas of functioning:

• social interaction;
• communication;
• behaviour with restricted and stereotyped interests.

What should parents do if they are concerned about their child?

If parents are concerned about their child, their GP will be the first point of contact. There are screening tests available depending on the age of a child. Screening tests are in the form of parent-completed questionnaires. A positive screen for autism is not diagnostic but indicates that referral to a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or autism assessment team is necessary.

Is it true that autism spectrum disorder is more difficult to diagnose in girls than in boys? Why?

Do you have anything to add?

Early diagnosis is important to give the children enough support and treatment. This is the reason that regular check-ups with the family GP are important.

To make an appointment with Dr Htet, contact Parkes Street General Practice.