Celebrating Autism Day

World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on 2 April, when we recognise the uniqueness of people living with autism and the challenges they face in coping with this condition.

What is autism and autism spectrum disorder?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioural challenges. ASD actually encompasses a number of conditions, including Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. It affects people in different ways and to varying degrees, and can involve a wide range of symptoms such as the following common symptoms seen in children:

• Picky eating habits
• Unable to understand certain social cues and won’t respond to expressions such as smiles by others
• Display repetitive behaviours, for example fidgeting or packing toys in rows
• Have meltdowns
• A speech development delay or being non-verbal
• Do not look people in the eye
• Sensitive to sensory environments, for example different textures such as sand, hot and cold objects, or avoiding noises by covering their ears
• Unable to play imaginatively, for example by pretending that a piece of wood is a toy car
• Delayed development of motor skills such as fine motor skills

What causes autism and how it is diagnosed?

There is no single cause of autism and research has found that it has both genetic and environmental origins.

Autism can be diagnosed in children as young as three years. A diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary assessment, where many specialists use screenings, tests and evaluations to help with assessing a person’s developmental history and behaviour in order to make a diagnosis.

Multidisciplinary teamwork in autism

A number of healthcare providers and professionals will likely be involved in diagnosing autism and providing care following a diagnosis.

• Neurologists can play a role in diagnosing autism by helping to rule out other neurological disorders.
• Paediatricians play a vital role in the early identification of children with possible autism as well as providing medical support such as medication when needed to treat symptoms such as poor sleeping habits.
• Speech therapists can help address language and communication challenges.
• Occupational therapists assist with the development of certain skills, such as fine motor skills.
• Food and nutrition can be serious challenges for people with autism, and dietitians can help them make healthy dietary choices that will provide all the nutrients needed.
• Psychologists are often involved in the diagnosing of autism, while educational psychologists can assist with improving their learning skills.

How does Medihelp assist patients with autism?

“This spectrum of conditions consists of a constellation of symptoms and diagnoses, and it is important that patients who may have autism are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team,” says Dr Christo du Preez, Senior Manager Health Innovation at Medihelp. “Some of these diagnoses are prescribed minimum benefits (PMB) conditions, which Medihelp funds in full in accordance with PMB legislation.”

Services related to consultations and treatment for autism are mostly covered from members’ day-to-day benefits.

“The whole family is involved when one of its members are diagnosed. The burden of this condition spectrum is not only felt by the patient who is diagnosed, but is carried by every member in the family. That makes it our burden as well,” says Dr du Preez.

Helping a person living with autism thrive

While there is no “cure” for autism, there are many things you can do to make life easier for people with autism:

• Stick to schedules and routines, and use a visual schedule to help them follow routines – try the example at this link: https://www.speciallearninghouse.com/how-to-make-a-visual-schedule-autism/
• Reward good behaviour as a means of positive reinforcement. Praise them appropriately, for example when they have learnt a new skill or demonstrate the right behaviour.
• Be aware of their sensory sensitivities with regard to light, touch, sounds and smells, as some of these may trigger meltdowns or scare them. Consult a play therapist or occupational therapist about ways to introduce them to these sensory elements so they can gradually overcome their hypersensitivity.
• Ask an expert such as an occupational therapist to draw up an action plan for improving their learning and stimulating positive behaviours.
• Remind them to look you in the eye when you speak to each other.
• Explain social cues to them regularly by showing them pictures or even when a situation presents itself – do this patiently and caringly.
• Many people living with autism like to take risks, but they are not always aware of their boundaries. Explain the dangers of risky actions to them calmly, for example by telling them they can get hurt when they jump off the couch or a coffee table.
• It is important for people with autism to be independent, so make a point of showing them how to do things for themselves, for example, getting dressed. Then encourage them to do this at every opportunity.
• Be patient when they have a meltdown. Unlike neurotypical children who will stop misbehaving once they get what they want, children with autism will continue with a tantrum even after they have their way. Disciplining and being strict with them in such situations will not help – try to keep them calm and get them to focus on something else.

Sources:

Autism Society: https://autismsociety.org/screening-diagnosis/
Autism South Africa: https://aut2know.co.za/understanding-autism1/
Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-are-symptoms-autism
NWU: https://news.nwu.ac.za/complex-world-autists
Milestones Autism Resources: https://www.milestones.org/get-started/for-community-at-large/interacting-with-autistic-people