Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is currently estimated to affect around 270,000 people. The key features of autism are difficulties in language, communication and social interaction as well as the presence of restricted or repetitive thought patterns and behaviours. People with autism also often have sensory processing difficulties, resulting in under or over sensitivity to sights, sounds, tastes and textures.

Autism is a disorder that manifests behaviourally. There are no blood tests or scans to diagnose autism. Diagnoses are made by multi-disciplinary teams of medical professionals, based on observed behaviours.

The cause of autism remains elusive. The available research indicates both a genetic predisposition and environmental factor play a role in the development of autism.

Living in a world where communication and socialization form an integral part of our daily lives, having difficulties in these spheres presents many challenges to people with autism. From an early age, children with autism tend to need intervention to minimize these deficits and to enable them to lead full lives and promote independence later in life.

Children with autism often struggle to cope with the social and academic demands placed on them by mainstream school placements. As such, they often need special schools and therapies that are autism specific and cater for their specific needs.

Autism also impacts the family unit. Living with a child or sibling with autism presents many challenges for families. These range from financial challenges to dealing with the impact autism has on a marriage and relationships with other children in the family.

The major players involved in autism in South Africa are educators, therapists and medical specialists such as psychologists, neurologists and developmental pediatricians. There are a few specific, government funded schools in South Africa. A number of private institutions have started catering to the specific needs of children with autism. Due to the high prevalence and limited placements available, parents often opt for private centres or schools. Private therapies (speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy) are also often part of intervention programs and medical professionals are involved in prescribing medication if need be.

Autism can be diagnosed accurately in children aged three years and older. The majority of children are diagnosed around 2-5 years of age. If parents notice a developmental delay they are encouraged to seek professional help immediately. An early diagnosis leads to early intervention and this has been found to be of extreme importance in treating autism.

A diagnosis is made by a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals, based on behavioural observations and historical accounts. Such a team may include psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists and speech and occupational therapists.

There are various screening tools, of which the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is most often used to make a diagnosis.

Item desIn the first place, the disorder has to be diagnosed. Living with the disorder without a diagnosis and acceptance of the diagnosis leads to frustration in the child with autism as well as their families. After a diagnosis has been obtained, proper intervention should be found. This usually includes a combination of academic, therapeutic and behavioural interventions targeted at the symptoms of autism. Finding the correct school/ therapeutic placement for a child with autism makes the world of difference and the sooner intervention starts, the more content, able and independent the child tends to be.

Access to information and services is vital to ensure a positive outcome for a child and family dealing with autism.cription