FAQs

Q: How early can signs of autism be detected?
A: Doctors can confidently make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder by the time a child is two years old. However, it may be possible to see signs of autism in newborn babies and toddlers, such as delayed development of babbling and not responding to their name. See the sections on Signs of autism in babies and Signs of autism in toddlers.

Q: Are there signs of autism before birth, during pregnancy?
A: While research is being undertaken, it is currently not possible to detect signs of autism before a child is born. It is also difficult to identify signs in a newborn baby. Signs that autism may be present typically only become clear when a child does not meet developmental milestones that can be expected to occur between 2-24 months old.

Q: What is Asperger’s Syndrome? A: Asperger’s Syndrome is the second most common ASD and is a milder form of autism. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome exhibit higher language development than children with autism and often have normal intellectual ability combined with a disinterest in social communication. Children with Asperger’s may not initiate or sustain a conversation and do not compensate for their limited language by using nonverbal means of communication, thus limiting their peer relationships. Similar to autism, children with Asperger’s do not share enjoyment or interests with others.

Q: Who develops Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDS) A: ASDs are usually evident by the age of 3, though diagnosis may be made as early as 12 to 18 months, and as late as 4 to 6 years (or later). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 59 children have an autism spectrum disorder. ASDs are three to four times more common in boys than in girls. However, girls with these disorders tend to have more severe symptoms and lower intelligence. Some children will need ongoing supervision, while others, with the right support, may pursue higher education and fulfilling jobs. These disorders affect people of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Q: What are the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDS) A: Some combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors is believed to cause ASDs. Researchers are exploring several genes which are believed to contribute to the development of these disorders as well as several brain regions that have been linked to the disorders. Abnormal brain development during the first months of life is being studied to determine if structural abnormalities, such as in the mirror neuron systems, may be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. Researchers are also exploring the effects of genetic imprinting in which a gene’s expression is determined by which parent donates the gene copy. Certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine, may also function abnormally. In some cases, scientists are exploring the possibility that a faulty immune response to a virus, elevated concentrations of proteins in the blood at birth, dysregulation of specific neuropeptides or a major stress during pregnancy may lead to the disorder.

Q: How is autism diagnosed? Is there a test for it? A: There is no blood test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. A diagnosis is made based on behaviours. In order to be diagnosed with autism, an individual must display deficits in social communication and social interaction, and show restrictive and repetitive behaviours.

Q: How can I be sure vaccines have nothing to do with autism?
A: Immunisations are a cornerstone of public health and protect people from many debilitating and deadly infectious diseases. Government agencies routinely conduct thorough analyses of the current medical and scientific evidence on vaccine safety and vaccine-related adverse events. While there is evidence of some rare adverse events related to vaccines, such as seizures, inflammation of the brain and fainting, the evidence shows that there are no links between immunisation and autism.