Autism spectrum disorders: diagnosis and treatment

Finding out whether your child has autism

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Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by often severe social impairment, communication difficulties or blockages, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour.

Disorders in the autism spectrum range from classical autism (also called "autistic disorder") to the milder form diagnosed as Asperger's syndrome, to the rarer and sometimes fatal condition called Rett's Disorder, to Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD, aka Heller's Disease), which manifests later in a child's development, to pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

For parents of children with autism, the disorder presents a variety of challenges. These challenges can vary based on the severity of the condition among many other factors. Many parents are sure that their child will fare very poorly in a non-specialized environment such as that of most public schools. Autistic children are likely to be aggravated by common elements of a regular school environment such as fluorescent lighting, excessive noise, and even textures like heavy carpeting.

Suzanne Lanthier, the executive director of Autism Speaks Canada, says few schools are well-prepared to address the diverse demands required to deal with autistic children, especially when the disease manifests differently or with varied severity from one autistic child to another. Many children with autism will be unable to function in any environment except one prepared especially for their special needs. There are, however, ASD schools that fully understand autism, and its variations, and have experience in dealing with autistic children.

The top 5 features to look for in private schools Autism programs

When it comes to finding the right private school for a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder it's important to ask the right questions about the school's programs. When doing your research you'll want to make sure you consider these five features in any autism program for your child.

Meeting the needs of your child with autism is a formidable challenge. Besides the complex problems in almost all areas of living, there are countless approaches, techniques, and therapies to promote learning and development.

Some of these approaches are experimental; others may be potentially harmful. You want to find the ones that are "tried and true"! Here's a sure-fire way to navigate through the maze of options. Seek out the answers to the following critical program features:

1. Program Focus

What is the main focus of the program? Is it behavioural management, language development, socialization, sensory/motor integration, literacy-based learning, or activities of daily living? All are important, but once you know the priorities of your child, the school/program you choose must focus on that area.

2. Role of the Parent in the Program

Will the school/program respect and support you? What will be expected of you? A positive relationship between you and the professionals is critical for success.

3. Experience

How much experience and know-how do the teachers and/or therapists have? A minimum of four years of experience is a good rule of thumb. The last thing you need is someone "cutting their teeth" on your child.

4. Methods

What teaching methods and approaches are used to deliver the program? What happens if a program/approach doesn't work? Will you be informed? Will changes be made? Never accept the explanation that your child is the reason for the failure.

5. Evaluation

What evaluation tools are used to assess whether or not the program is working and that your child is learning? Will the findings be shared with you? Will the program shift/change to better meet the needs of your child?

The answers to these questions will give you the power to advocate for your child and to make good decisions.

Autism diagnosis

Autism can often be diagnosed or detected at an early age. There are many possible early indicators of autism.

A short list of autism symptoms is as follows:

• lack of babbling or pointing by age one
• lack of any single words by 16 months age
• lack of response to name being called
• poor eye contact
• excessive need for quiet and order
• lack of smiling or responsiveness to others

Symptoms of autism for toddler-aged children or older include the following:

• weakness in making friends or relating to peers
• lack of ability to engage in conversation
• repetitive actions
• repetitive or strange language patterns
• obsession-like preoccupation with objects or conversational subjects

The above list is by no means comprehensive or authoritative. Since autism is a spectrum, these or other signs of autism may manifest in various degrees. Parents who witness the symptoms above manifest in their child are urged to consult the opinion of a health professional for diagnosis. To learn more, read our articles on special needs signs and diagnosis.

Autism treatment

Autism treatment should ideally begin as early as possible. There is no cure for autism, so treatment is focused on therapy and behavioral training with medication in some cases, especially where the autistic disorder is severe.

Therapy has been shown to be the best way of dealing with autism. Sessions focus on skill acquisition and repeated therapies that break through manifestations of autistic catatonia to alter behaviours. The earlier in the child's life that intervention begins the more effective, say the majority of experts in the field. Family therapy may also help in training parents and siblings to deal with the child's autism.

Autism research

Research in autism has increased exponentially in the last number of years but there is still much to be learned about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

You can learn more about autism from the following sources:

• autismcanada.org
• autismsocietycanada.ca
• Health Canada on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Schools listed below have expertise in dealing with students with autism.