Article 1 - Published in Borneo Bulletin page 24 on 1st June 2016
DO NOT IGNORE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM!
By: Learning Ladders Society
Hearing about the rising number of autism cases in Brunei must be alarming especially to young parents expecting their first child, or even to parents who don't know what autism really is.
What does autism really mean? Does Brunei have enough understanding on this rising issue? With the increase access of information at this day of age, getting the right credible information remains a challenge.
In 2014, it has been reported that at least one new case of autism is recorded every week at the Child Development Centre and it has been estimated that 1 in every 1000 children are diagnosed with autism in Brunei.
What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social interactions and social communication and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour.
As a result, this affects the development of the brain, causing difficulty with behaviour, communication, learning, and social interaction.
Early detection
Research indicates early detection of signs and symptoms for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial in seeking early treatment for child at risk. This is significant because early behavioural intervention can be crucial in promoting development with children suffering from ASD and can help improve learning, communication and social skills.
However, it is very important to recognise that ASD symptoms actually vary during the first two years of life, which makes it quite challenging to detect at an early stage. To some children, the symptoms are evident from birth, while others may develop symptoms typically but then fail to progress. On the other hand, other children may lose some of their already-developed skills. Sometimes this is displayed from their loss of words which may have been previously (and correctly) used to name or requests objects, for example, may no longer be expressed.
“Warning Indicators”
The followings are guidelines of “warning indicators” that, if displayed by your child, could indicate that your child is at risk for an ASD. If your child exhibits any of the following, do not delay in asking your paediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
DO NOT IGNORE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM!
By: Learning Ladders Society
Hearing about the rising number of autism cases in Brunei must be alarming especially to young parents expecting their first child, or even to parents who don't know what autism really is.
What does autism really mean? Does Brunei have enough understanding on this rising issue? With the increase access of information at this day of age, getting the right credible information remains a challenge.
In 2014, it has been reported that at least one new case of autism is recorded every week at the Child Development Centre and it has been estimated that 1 in every 1000 children are diagnosed with autism in Brunei.
What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social interactions and social communication and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour.
As a result, this affects the development of the brain, causing difficulty with behaviour, communication, learning, and social interaction.
Early detection
Research indicates early detection of signs and symptoms for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial in seeking early treatment for child at risk. This is significant because early behavioural intervention can be crucial in promoting development with children suffering from ASD and can help improve learning, communication and social skills.
However, it is very important to recognise that ASD symptoms actually vary during the first two years of life, which makes it quite challenging to detect at an early stage. To some children, the symptoms are evident from birth, while others may develop symptoms typically but then fail to progress. On the other hand, other children may lose some of their already-developed skills. Sometimes this is displayed from their loss of words which may have been previously (and correctly) used to name or requests objects, for example, may no longer be expressed.
“Warning Indicators”
The followings are guidelines of “warning indicators” that, if displayed by your child, could indicate that your child is at risk for an ASD. If your child exhibits any of the following, do not delay in asking your paediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
- No babbling by 12 months
- No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
- No words by 16 months
- No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age