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Information About Autism
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is characterized by challenges in the social, communication, and behavior domains. Autism is a spectrum disorder. It means that each individual with autism has different strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. In other words, each individual with autism is unique just as his or her needs. Autism is a disability that usually has a huge impact on an individual’s life. It is our job as the caregiver and educator to guide onto the right path in order to achieve an independent and happier life.
Prevalence
1. In 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 54 children in the U.S is diagnosed with autism.
2. Male is more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females. 1 in 34 boys diagnosed with autism and 1 in 144 girls diagnosed with autism.
3. In China, 10.3 in 10,000 children from 2- to 6-year-old are diagnosed with autism (A review of the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Asia).
4. In Hong Kong, 1.68 per 1,000 under 15-year-old are diagnosed with autism (Epidemiological study of autism spectrum disorder in China).
The prevalence of autism might be reported slightly differently on multiple sources. Despite that, there is one thing that stays absolutely consistent: the number of diagnosed autism individuals is growing rapidly year by year across the world.
Causes
This tends to be the first question that most people ask. “What causes autism?” A simple answer to this question is “we don’t know yet”. Although current research does not tell us exactly what causes autism, studies do suggest that autism develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Autism is believed to have a genetic basis. For example, statistics show that identical twins have a much higher rate of having autism than fraternal twins. In addition to a genetic basis, research also shows a correlation between autism and neurological differences in the brain.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders usually show before the age of 3. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one third of half of parents of children with ASD noticed signs before third child’s first birthday, and nearly 80% to 90% saw signs by 24 months of age. It is important to know that not all children with ASD show every single sign of autism. However, the impairments tend to make life very challenging for both the child and the family. Individuals with ASD usually show warning signs in the following areas: social, communication, and behaviors
Source: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC)
Social
- Does not respond to name by 12 months of age.
- Avoids eye-contact prefers to play alone.
- Does not share interests with others, only interacts to achieve a desired goal.
- Has flat or inappropriate facial expressions.
- Does not understand personal space boundaries.
- Avoids or resists physical contact.
- Is not comforted by others during distress.
- Has trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about own feelings.
Communication
- Delayed speech and language skills
- Repeats words, or phrases over and over
- Reverses pronouns
- Gives unrelated answers to questions
- Does not point or respond to pointing
- Uses few or no gestures, talks in a flat, robot-like, or sing-song voice
- Does not pretend in play
- Does not understand jokes, sarcasm, or teasing
Behavior
- Lines up toys or other objects
- Plays with toys the same way every time
- Likes parts of objects
- Is very organized
- Gets upset by minor changes
- Has obsessive interests
- Has to follow certain routines
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
Symptoms
- Hyperactivity, impulsivity
- Short attention span
- Aggression
- Self injury
- Temper tantrums
- Unusual eating and sleeping habits
- Unusual mood or emotional reactions
- Lack of fear or more fear than expected
- Unusual reactions to way things sounds, smell, taste, look, or feel
Doctor Wong's Tips on Effective Teaching
Collaborative Partners & Clients
aHK education consultants limited
The education university of hong kong
Autism HK
YWCA - Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement
Positive Behaviour Support Academy Asia
Junior Chamber International (JCI)
Centre for Special Education and inclusive education
