What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), And Does It Relate To Childcare?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a complex and lifelong developmental disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, interacts with others and experiences their environments. It is characterised by repetitive and stereotyped behaviours, restricted interests and heightened sensory sensitivities.[1][2]
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 70 Australians, with males affected four times more commonly than females[3]. It is usually diagnosed before the age of three, as this tends to be when the signs of autism start to become apparent.
As the name suggests, autism is a spectrum, and the degree to which people with autism are affected varies widely. For some, the symptoms are subtle; for others, the symptoms are pervasive and cause significant anxiety and distress during their day-to-day lives.
How might autism first present?
The signs of autism vary according to age.
Earlier in life, you might notice that your child avoids eye contact, does not smile back when you smile at them, does not respond to their name and does not demonstrate much affection. You might also notice that they become distressed if they encounter a taste, scent or sound they dislike.
Your child might start to demonstrate repetitive behaviours such as rocking their body, flapping their hands, repeating the same phrases or flicking their fingers.[4] They might not speak as much as other children and might not engage as much in imaginative play; for example, “playing house” or playing “dress-ups.”
As your child gets older, they might start to prefer a strict daily routine and become distressed if there are any variations. They might misinterpret facial expressions and emotions; for example, they might miss undertones of humour, irony and sarcasm.
Once again, it is essential to remember that autism is a spectrum, and its signs and symptoms vary widely. If you think your child might have autism, seeing your GP is a great place to start.
How is autism diagnosed?
In Australia, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a medical diagnosis that in children is most commonly made by a developmental paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Your GP will usually refer you to a developmental paediatrician or psychiatrist, who will undertake a formal assessment involving a team of allied health professionals, including but not limited to occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists, from whence the diagnosis of autism is made.
How is autism managed?
Although autism is a lifelong condition for which there is no one standard treatment, it is essential to remember that with the proper support, a person with autism can achieve an excellent quality of life.
Treatments for autism aim to maximise a person’s ability to function in the world around them by improving their social interactions and communication and equipping them with skills that allow them to thrive in their environments.
There is no one standard treatment for autism. Instead, treatment is tailored to the individual. Common treatment strategies include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Speech therapy
- Family therapy
- Physical therapies, including massage
- Sensory therapy
- Pet therapy
- Psychotherapy under the care of a clinical psychologist
- Environmental modification with specialised equipment
- Provision of specialised diet
- Provision of anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medication if needed
It’s important to note that each child with autism is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. The best approach is to work with a team of professionals, including a pediatrician, a psychologist or therapist, and an educational specialist, to develop a personalised treatment plan for your child.
A person with autism is usually cared for by a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team, which might be coordinated by a GP, a paediatrician or another allied health professional.
Involved team members might include:
- GP
- Paediatrician (before the age of 16)
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Speech pathologist
- Orthoptist
- Dietitian
- Support worker
What do we do at Imagine to support children with autism?
At Imagine, we are fortunate enough to access the Inclusion Support Program (ISP)[5], funded by the Australian Government.
When one of our children has a diagnosis of ASD, we make contact with the ISP at the time of their enrolment. Depending on the child’s level of need, the ISP will provide us with whatever support might be needed to give the child a supportive, safe and nurturing learning environment.
Support provided through the ISP might include the following:
- The presence of a support worker at the centre.
- Provision of specialised equipment to support the child’s inclusion at the centre.
- Education of the Imagine team.
Our Childcare Centres aim to provide:
- Create a structured environment – Children with autism often thrive in a structured environment with consistent routines and clear expectations. We establish a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible.
- Use visual aids – Children with autism often struggle with verbal communication, so we use visual aids like picture schedules or social stories to help them understand expectations and routines.
- Provide sensory input – Children with autism may benefit from sensory experiences like swinging, jumping, or playing with textured materials, and we provide plenty of opportunities for this.
- Be patient and understanding – Children with autism may struggle with social interactions and communication, but we are patient and understanding when working with them.
- Communicate with parents – We communicate regularly with parents to understand the child’s specific needs and develop a plan to address those needs in the childcare setting.
- Train staff – We train our carers on working with children with autism, including strategies for behaviour management, communication, and sensory integration.
By creating a structured and supportive environment and working closely with parents, Imagine Early Learning can help your child with autism thrive in a childcare setting.
In conclusion…
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong condition that affects how a person interacts with others and the world around them. It is managed by a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, and with the proper support, people with autism can thrive and lead extremely fulfilling lives.
At Imagine Early Learning and Childcare, we understand that autism is a condition that affects not only the child but their family. As such, we strive to provide ongoing and holistic support to the child and their carers through ongoing and dedicated education of our staff and liaison with the Government’s Inclusion Support Program. By doing so, we ensure that the child is encouraged to grow, learn and share in the myriad of wonderful experiences on offer.
SOURCES:
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
[2] Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) (n.d.). About autism. Autism Spectrum Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from autismspectrum.org.au
[3] Ibid
[4] National Health Service (n.d.). Autism. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
[5] KU Children’s Services (n.d.). The Inclusion Support Program. NSW / ACT Inclusion Agency. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://inclusionagencynswact.org.au/