Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects communication and social skills. It is a spectrum disorder, so it affects each person differently. While some with autism can live independently, others require lifelong support. Recent studies estimate that around 1% of the UK population has autism. The exact causes are unknown but genetic and environmental factors are involved. There is no cure for autism but therapies and interventions are available to help with communication, social skills, and managing related conditions like anxiety or ADHD.

1. What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelongdevelopmentaldisabilitythat affects how a child both
communicates and relatestoothers as well as howthey make senseof
the world aroundthem.Autism is a spectrumdisorderwhich meansthat
whilst all childrenthat sufferwith autism endure certaindifficulties,their
conditions affectthem each indifferentways.
Whilst some autistic children will goonto adulthood and livevery
independent lives,others will have accompanying learningdisabilities and
require lifetime support.
The latest studyof autism indicatedthat 1%9
oftheUK population sufferfrom
autism – meaningthat justover 695,000 individuals havethe condition.
What are the causes of autism?
Whilst the exact causes of autism are unknown, it is thought by scientists
and researchers that certain genetic and environmental facts are involved.
The causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be categorised in two
different ways:
• PrimaryASD – wherebythere are no underlyingfactorsthat can explain
thediagnosis
• SecondaryASD – wherebythere is an underlying geneticor
environmentalfactorthoughtto increasethe chancesofASD
Approximately 90%of autism cases in children are primary andonly
10% secondary10
. However,there are certain ‘riskfactors’that arethought
to increasethe chancesof a child sufferingfrom autism.These include:
• Geneticfactors
• Environmentalfactors (normallyduring pregnancy)
• Psychologicalfactors
• Neurologicalfactors
• Other health conditions (including Down’sSyndrome)
How is autism diagnosed?
In most cases parents will recognise symptomsof autism whentheir child is
betweentwo andthreeyearsof age. However, ifyou are worried aboutyour
child’sdevelopment it isvitalthatyou seek medical advicefromyourGP who
can make a more in-depth assessment.
This may also involvevisiting a psychologist, psychiatristor paediatrician.
Duringthe assessment,the medical professional will assessthefeaturesof
your child along withtheir physical and mentaldevelopment uptodate.
Whilstthe assessment isquickerto carryout ifthe professional has accessto
schoolor nursery records,this is not necessary.
Once your child is diagnosed, it is important to become as educated as
possible on the condition, in order to truly understand how your child’s
mind works – the National Autistic Society provides fantastic information
and advice.
How is autism treated?
Unfortunatelythere is no curefor autism butthere are a numberoftherapies
and interventions readily availablethat can really benefit children who suffer
from it.This includes a rangeof social communication programmesto help
children communicate withthose aroundthem, along with psychological
therapy which is aimed at helpingthose children who have autism plus aform
of anxietyordepression.
Furthertothis,there is medication availablefor severe casesto help
children combat sleep problems, aggression andADHD – allof which can be
exacerbated by autism.
For further information or to register, contact us today on:
Tel: 0845 602 2602
Email: infoscr@capita.co.uk
Autism
9
http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/myths-facts-and-statistics/statistics-how-many-people-have-autism-spectrum- disorders.aspx
10
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Causes.aspx
SOCIAL CARE RESOURCING