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What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (“Autism”) is a lifelong developmental disability that is neurological in origin. Previously, these disorders were categorised as Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (NOS). An estimated 1 in 160 people to 1 in 100 people has Autism.

Autism usually becomes apparent before a child is three years old. It is characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted interests and stereotyped behaviour. Autism impacts on a child’s development in a number of key areas. This includes the following:

Language and Communication:  Some children with Autism have greatly impaired ability to communicate or to understand language. For children whose language develops, their comprehension is often quite literal and they have great difficulty with abstract concepts or nuances. They can also appear to talk “at” people about a favorite topic, rather have an interactive conversation.


Repetitive Activity:  Children with Autism have a restricted and repetitive range of behaviour. Interests may be unusual in their intensity or focus. For example, the child may show a strong interest in parts of toys such as spinning the wheels of a toy car. Likewise, the child may line-up toys rather than play with them in an imaginative way.

Routine and Predictability:  Most children with Autism show a strong preference for routine and predictability. They may insist on activities that follow a particular order and resist any activity with which they are not familiar. They may also strongly resist change.

Sensory Difficulties:  Many people with Autism show an unusual response to sensory stimuli: Some everyday noises can be experienced as overwhelming; and busy environments can be experienced as stressful. Also, some tastes, smells and textures can be experienced as intolerable.

Causes of Autism

There is no known single cause of Autism. Many causes of Autism have been investigated and our understanding is still incomplete. Research indicates that genetic factors predominate but it is unclear which genes may be responsible. It is generally agreed, however, that Autism is likely to have multiple causes, including some pre-natal factors that result in the common symptoms of Autism. Autism also tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have particular medical conditions including fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU).

Early Signs

Parents usually notice signs in their child around the age of 2 years. The signs develop or become obvious gradually. Some early signs in the child may include:

  • Does not show interest in interacting with other children.
  • Does not seem to hear when others talk to him or her.
  • Does not share interests or point out interests to others.
  • Follows rigid routines and has difficulty adapting to change.
  • Preoccupation with a narrow topic or interest.



Where there is a specific concern regarding Autism, a parent may also contact The Autism Association of Western Australia on (08) 9489 8900 and ask to speak with an Autism Advisor; or visit

What Can be Done?

While there is as yet no cure for Autism, with appropriate intervention and support, children with Autism can make significant progress; attend their local schools; and utilise many of their strengths when it comes to choosing a job in later life. The key factors in success are evidence-based support by professionals who know and understand Autism. This will include working with the individual’s strengths to extend their skills while supporting their areas of difficulty. Children and adults with Autism will also require environments that are knowledgeable of their individual needs; provide predictability and routine; support communication; and understands that difficult behavior is a symptom of an underlying difficulty the person is experiencing that we need to identify, understand and address. Good intervention also never loses sight of the individuality of the person and the need we all have for relationships that are rewarding.