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Childhood Developmental Disorders

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Department of Health Child Assessment Service Developmental Disorders Series “Autism Spectrum Disorders”

I. What is Autism Spectrum Disorders? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a group of developmental disorders. Children with ASD have difficulties in communication and social interaction. ASD varies in the degree of severity, with different behavioural manifestations. Broadly speaking, autism refers to the severe type while autistic features are used to describe ASD of a milder degree. . II. What causes Autism Spectrum Disorders? The cause of ASD is uncertain, but possible factors include: ● Hereditary factor ● Differences in the development of certain brain functions, leading to impairment in cognitive and social functioning

III. What are the symptoms of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders? They have varying degree of difficulties in social interaction, language and communication, as well as behaviour. Social Interaction: ● Lack of body language and other non-verbal communication skills, e.g. eye contact ● Weak communication and interpersonal skills, e.g. having difficulty sharing ideas and feelings with peers and making friends ● Failure to notice, understand and respond to others’ feelings and needs Language and Communication: ● Weak ability to comprehend and express self through conversation ● Show stereotypic, repetitive or parrot-like speech ● Weak in verbal expression and in organising phrases and sentences, e.g. confusing “you” and “I” ● Unusual pronunciation or intonation, e.g. missing consonants and vowels or using excessively high pitch ● Show a “one way communication” mode when talking with others, e.g. keep on speaking and refusing to listen Behaviour: ● Rigid and ritualistic, e.g. insisting on taking the same route when going out ● Narrow scope of interest, e.g. being pre-occupied with rotating wheels or reciting route maps of buses ● Reluctance to accept new things ● Repetitive / stereotypic activities, e.g. spinning or rocking self or waving hands

IV. Other possible problems or associated features ● Developmental delay or mental retardation: Research has shown that approximately 70% of children with ASD have delayed development or mental retardation. Some ASD children may show certain particular strength or “gift” e.g. strong rote memory. ● Abnormal sensory responses: Over-sensitive or under-responsive to visual, audio and tactile stimuli, e.g. being extremely afraid of or showing no response to certain sounds ● Hyperactivity and inability to sit quietly

Other possible problems or associated features ● Sleep disorder: Irregular sleep pattern, etc. ● Emotional problems: Being scared for no apparent reason, over-anxious or depressed, etc. ● Epilepsy: Research showed that some children with ASD also have epilepsy.

V. Where can parents seek help if their child is suspected to have Autism Spectrum Disorders? Preliminary Screening Maternal and Child Health Centres (Pre-school children) / Student Health Service (School age children) / Paediatric departments of hospitals / Private practitioners / Clinical or educational psychologists Further Assessment Child Assessment Centres / Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Service of hospitals Treatment, Training and Education Medical service: Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Service / Clinical psychology service / Occupational therapy / Speech therapy Social Welfare Department / Education Bureau: Early Education and Training Centres / Integrated Programme in Child Care Centres / Special Child Care Centres / Special schools

VI. How can parents help their child with Autism Spectrum Disorders? 1. Understand and accept the child’s developmental conditions. 2. Arrange appropriate assessment and training for the child. 3. Provide the child with opportunities to participate in social activities, so that the child may be more motivated to communicate with others and build up social skills through life experiences. 4. Learn how to modify the child’s behavioural problems, e.g. broaden the child’s scope of interest in order to minimise his/her rigid behaviour. 5. Enhance the child’s language and communication skills. Use visual hints, such as actions and gestures, to strengthen comprehension.

Enquiry Numbers and Related Websites Government Bureau / Department: Department of Health Child Assessment Service 2246 6633 www.dhcas.gov.hk Family Health Service 2961 8855 (Maternal and Child Health Centres) www.fhs.gov.hk Student Health Service 2349 2772 www.dh.gov.hk Social Welfare Department 2343 2255 www.swd.gov.hk Education Bureau 2891 0088 (24-Hour Hotline) Special Education and Resource Centre http://serc.edb.gov.hk Other Organisations Hospital Authority (General Enquiry): 2300 6555 www.ha.org.hk Society for the Welfare of the Autistic Persons Hong Kong Autism Resource Centre 2788 3326 / 3188 4504 www.swap.org.hk Overseas: National Autistic Society (NAS), UK www.nas.org.uk Autism Society of America www.autism-society.org Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication - handicapped Children www.teacch.com

 

 

 

 
     
 
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Last revision date: 02 October 2009