Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Autism spectrum disorder encompasses disorders previously referred to as early infantile autism, childhood autism, Kanner’s autism, high-functioning autism, atypical autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Asperger’s disorder (American Psychiatric Association (2013) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 Task Force, p. 50).

The essential features of autism spectrum disorder are persistent impairment in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. These symptoms are present from early childhood and limit or impair everyday functioning. Besides those, sensory, emotional, social, attentional and self-awareness factors play a role in expressing the symptoms of autism. In young children, the symptoms of autism may vary, but some characteristics are reported, such as reduced eye contact, not responding by name and not pointing to an object that seems to have hearing problems, inability to hold, hug or cuddle; stimming, flapping, playing with familiar things, over or under-sensitivity and repetitive movements are typical features.

Epidemiological studies indicate that autism affects children from all walks of life regardless of intellectual, socioeconomic, or ethnic factors. Although the rate of autism is rising, the exact causes of autism are not well understood. Research found that autism develops from a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Research also showed that not only do relatives of people with autism have a slightly higher risk, but that families generally have a high percentage of a family member who suffers from speech disorders, learning disabilities and other cognitive impairments. Several studies have been conducted on identical and non-identical twins in whom one or both are affected by autism. It is noted that there is no evidence that vaccines, diet or parenting style cause autism.

However, the available data suggest that ASD is four times more common among boys than girls. Although autism is not a learning disability, it presents multiple disorders, and many people have this co-morbidity. These conditions, such as tics; sensory sensitivity; obsessive-compulsive disorder; executive dysfunction; eccentric or restrictive eating habits; ADHD; anxiety; sleep disturbances; self-aggression behaviour; depression, and sometimes learning disabilities, even if not officially diagnosed. One of the most common genetic disorders associated with autism is fragile X syndrome, with 15% to 25% of individuals with the syndrome exhibiting characteristics of ASD.

Autism is a lifelong disorder rather than an illness or disease which should be treated even if there is no definitive treatment or medicine to ‘cure’ it. However, there is a wide range of interventions recognised as effective for autism today. These are a combination of different therapeutic approaches which are not designed to cure children, but to equip them with habits, skills and prosthetics to cope better with their disability. There is no indication that it is too late to begin treatment, but if it starts early, the better the outcomes. In most cases, a combination of strategies and agreements is very effective in improving outcomes and quality of life for autistic individuals.