Frequently Asked Questions: Autism
What causes autism?
At the moment it is not clear what causes autism. It is generally believed that autism may be caused by a number of factors including genetics, neurological and environmental factors. More information on current research can be found at www.researchautism.net .
Can autism be cured?
Autism is a life long condition and currently cannot be cured, it can however be treated. Children with autism with the right help can develop strategies to help them reach their potential and cope with every day life.
When will my child be given a diagnosis?
Parents and professionals can detect symptoms of autism in very young children but it is more typically diagnosed during the pre-school or early school years. Some children may develop normally first and then their progress slows, others may lose some early acquired skills. See section on getting a diagnosis.
How many children in the UK have autism?
The accepted figure is one child in every hundred has autism in some form. Symptoms can vary in severity. Four times as many boys as girls are likely to be diagnosed with autism.
Will my child go to main stream school?
Some children with autism will need to be educated in special school, however some children can do well in main stream school if they have appropriate support.
My child has PDD, is that autism?
Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) is used to describe a class of disorder that has in common the following characteristics;
Impairments in
• Social interaction
• Imaginative activity
• Verbal and non verbal communication skills
• Limited number of interests
• repetitive activities
There are five types of PDD
• Autistic disorder
• Rhett’s disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative disorder
• Asperger’s disorder
• Non specific Pervasive Developmental disorder
Children diagnosed with PDD may have autistic tendencies, many will have a diagnosis of autism, others may have a related diagnosis.
Why is my child concerned by sensory issues?
Sensitivity to sensory issues may vary from child to child. Tolerance of sensory stimuli can vary wildly from minor to severe. Sound, light and different smells and textures can cause sensory overload, resulting in tantrums, confusion or panic.
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