What is autism?

As Guyana joins the international community in observing Autism Awareness Month, many people are still not aware of what the observance is about, and what autism is.

The observance was first held almost 50 years ago, in 1970, by the advocacy group, Autism Speaks. The Month follows Autism Awareness Day which is sanctioned by the United Nations, and is held each year on April 2.

According to a statement by Autism Speaks, “Throughout the month, we focus on coming together in unity and collaboration by fostering worldwide support, sharing stories and connecting to create a more inclusive world.  This year, we are committed to standing together to make a world of difference where all people with autism can reach their full potential.”

Autism is a developmental and learning disability. However, it is not one disorder, instead, it is a range or spectrum that can run from mild on the one hand, to very severe. The autism spectrum, often referred to as just autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sometimes autism spectrum condition (ASC), identifies a loosely defined cluster of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by challenges in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and often repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Other common features include unusual responses to sensory stimuli and a preference for sameness or unusual adherence to routines.

Autism is usually identified in children, although, occasionally, it is first diagnosed when an affected person is an adult.

In children, autism is often diagnosed by a pediatrician after parents notice that a child is not developing normally. The child may have delays in learning to speak, for example. Or the child may play in unusual ways such as having an unusual interest in only one particular toy.

Although there is no cure for autism, early behavioral interventions by doctors and other specialists can help children with speech delays to gain self-care, social, and language skills. Independent living is unlikely for people who have severe autism, and require higher support, so intervention for them requires finding and learning alternative modes of communication, and developing as much independence as possible. Additionally, a doctor may prescribe medications to help a patient to have a better quality of life. Many medicines have been approved to treat the symptoms of ASD.

Currently, worldwide, about 1 in 98 people are affected by the condition. In fact, ASD is the most frequently diagnosed neuro-psychological disorder.

Regarding the symptoms of ASD, the experts say the following:

“Autism spectrum disorder is characterised by persistent deficits in the ability to initiate and to sustain reciprocal social interaction and social communication, and by a range of restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behaviour, interests or activities that are clearly atypical or excessive for the individual’s age and sociocultural context. The onset of the disorder occurs during the developmental period, typically in early childhood, but symptoms may not become fully manifest until later, when social demands exceed limited capacities. Deficits are sufficiently severe to cause impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and are usually a pervasive feature of the individual’s functioning observable in all settings, although they may vary according to social, educational, or other context.”

Scientists do not yet know the cause of ASD. However, experts are certain that there is absolutely no connection between autism and vaccination. The idea of such a connection is nothing more than a foolish conspiracy theory that has no basis in fact. As such, Guyanese should have their children vaccinated so as to be protected against common diseases.

As Guyana observes Autism Awareness Month, it is hoped that Guyanese take the opportunity to learn about the disorder. Additionally, if a parent observes any of the symptoms of the disorder in a child, that parent should speak with a doctor so that there can be early intervention and treatment.