Nearly one in 70 Australians has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a condition that first becomes obvious in childhood. Increasing number of diagnosis are being made in adulthood sometimes initiated by the individual themselves.
The word spectrum reflects the large wide variety of presentations ranging from the mild (Asperger’s Syndrome) to severe (Childhood Autism). No two individuals with ASD will be alike in terms of their strengths and deficits. Common areas of impairment in ASD are:
Another common feature of ASD is sensory sensitivities, which refers to extreme reactions to specific noises, touch or lights and is responsible for many behavioural manifestations.
No one knows for sure what causes ASD but there is strong evidence for role of genetics.
It is not unusual for people to reach adulthood without a diagnosis. Sometimes they might read something in popular media or TV that makes them think, “That sounds a lot like me”. Common triggers for adults search of diagnosis are:
If any of the above is true for you or your family member, consider getting a referral from GP to see a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment. The specialist will ask you questions about your childhood, schooling and adult relationships. They may conduct some neuropsychological or cognitive tests to confirm diagnosis. Once it is confirmed they might refer you to other specialist, for example to aspeech therapist for social communication difficulties, etc.
One of the biggest problems for people with ASD is their difficulties understanding emotions in others people including their intimate partners. Human emotions are predomiantly conveyed non-verbally through facial expressions, eye contact and body language and voice modulation. Individuals with ASD have brain abnormalities which make it difficult for them to read these emotional and social cues. This can lead to inappropriate social behaviour or social anxiety while they are perceived as rude or emotionally unresponsive. These difficulties lead to their social ostracism or relationship failures. Their intimate partners may report feeling misunderstood or having communication breakdowns.
We at ZenWaves clinic offer assessment in suspected cases of ASD which involves detailed clinical and cognitive testing. QEEG-BrainMapping as part of comprehensive assessment provides a wealth of information which is not otherwise available. Individuals first diagnosed in adulthood are generally high functioning and as such the role of medications is limited but we offer QEEG-guided Neurofeedback to improve their social difficulties and reduce their anxiety. Speak to our staff or healthcare professional for more information.
