Autism (ASD)

What is Autism?

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder of the brain that causes those afflicted to think, feel and behave in different ways to those around them. They typically can have difficulty in communicating socially, can be obsessive and rigid in their interests, and can also have eccentricities in the way they perceive the world through their senses and how they interpret information from the world around them. Due to this they can come across awkward to their peers, colleagues, teachers, employers and relatives. Adhering and adapting to ever changing and increasingly complex social and occupational norms and routines can be very distressing. Without proper characterization of their specific challenges, children with ASD often grow up exposed repeatedly to these stressful situations. These can negatively impact their self-esteem, their ability to regulate their emotions and behaviour, and their capacity to learn and master new tasks in preparation for life as adults. On the other hand, if children with Autism are appropriately assessed and receive clear guidance in working with their strengths whilst positively addressing their challenges, we can help them maximise their potential.

Signs of Autism

  • Difficulties in communicating socially with others such as with the unusual use of eye contact, body language and verbal language in initiating communication or responding to social overtures from others.

  • Displaying excessive, muted or unusual responses to different sensory experiences.

  • Repetitive behaviours or the repetitive use of specific gestures that are unusual.

  • Excessive interest in specific items or topics.

  • Difficulties in managing changes in routine.  

It is important to note that along with the above many with Autism also suffer from other neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorder, and so on. Additionally, many with ASD can develop other mental health issues over the course of their lives. These will come with their own challenges as well.

Assessment and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Young Person under the age of 18

Educational providers and families who are concerned about the possibility of Autism should request a GP assessment of the young person, who can then refer them to a Paediatrician or Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for diagnostic clarity. Assessment by the Autism specialist will typically require an initial consult to gather information and consider the possibility of ASD. This will be followed by other consultations and psychometric tests to gather collateral information from family and educational providers. In addition to Autism specific assessments, we will likely require Cognitive, Speech and Language, and Occupational Therapy assessments to help characterise the young person’s strengths and challenges properly. Parenting, psychotherapeutic and educational recommendations may result from the assessment process and these should form the mainstay of treatment. Medications are not the mainstay of treatment for Autism but if there are additional conditions that are unable to be managed with the above interventions, these can be considered.

Adult

Those who are concerned they may have Autism should see their GP for an assessment and consideration of referral to a Psychiatrist who assesses and manages those with ASD. Assessment by the Autism specialist will require an initial consult to gather information and consider the possibility of ASD. It will be useful to bring family (ideally parents) to the consult to gather developmental information. This will be followed by other consultations and psychometric tests to gather and consider further collateral information such as previous diagnostic reports and school reports. In addition to Autism specific assessments, we will likely require Cognitive, Speech and Language, and Occupational Therapy assessments to help characterise specific strengths and challenges. Psychotherapeutic, educational and occupational recommendations may result from the assessment process and these should form the mainstay of treatment. Medications are not the mainstay of treatment for Autism but if there are additional conditions that are unable to be managed with the above interventions, these can be considered.

How to see Dr Vijay Raj?

If you are concerned that either you or a loved one is troubled by a mental illness, please request a GP assessment. The GP can then refer to Dr Raj for further support as needed. The referral is then reviewed, and if appropriate, an appointment can be organised for the initial consult. Consults for Autism and ADHD assessments will require a few appointments for the assessments to be completed. Depending on the complexity, this may also be the case for other conditions as well. Waiting times and fees can be clarified with the practice where the consult is to occur.