Autism is a lifelong developmental disability due to a neurological disorder that affects how individuals, comprehend the world around us, communicate thoughts and feelings and connect with society. It is a spectrum condition, which means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present itself in a wide variety of combinations from mild to severe. Thus, the challenges associated with autism can vary greatly from person to person. As a result of this matrix, many individuals require one-to-one attention to meet their unique developmental needs. Autistic individuals have a wide range of intellectual competencies ranging from profound intellectual disability necessitating round-the-clock support to superior intelligence with extraordinary or unexpected talent. Regardless of aptitude, generally individuals with autism respond well to a highly-structured, specialized education and behaviour modification programme tailored to the individual needs of the person. For adults who are more severely affected, sheltered workshops are needed, to provide them with the means to earn a living.
Individuals with autism often experience difficulties with social interactions. Language can be slow to develop and some may never learn to speak. Even those who are verbal, may not understand social cues, body language or facial expressions. They often struggle to engage in conversations, and find it hard to form and maintain meaningful relationships. Conversations and socialising may feel overwhelming, confusing and tiring.
Individuals with autism may use repeated movements, eg spinning, flapping, rocking, jumping, humming, clapping, twisting of fingers or locks of hair, to calm themselves when they feel overwhelmed. They usually have a strong focus on specific interests eg a favourite colour, animal, toy or object. Some may talk to themselves, or repeat favourite phrases, without much meaning. They may have difficulty with transitions between activities, and may resist changes to routines, which can lead to temper tantrums.
Some individuals with autism may be over- or under-sensitive to sensory input like light, sound, touch or taste. They may react in an unusual manner to sudden loud noises, flashes of light, or being touched. Others may not feel pain when they fall or hurt themselves. Many are picky eaters, resisting food and drinks that are new or different.
In the UK, more than one in 100 people have autism. (Ref: National Autistic Society, UK @autism.org.uk). The prevalence in Malaysia is similar, with about nine out of 1,000 school-children diagnosed with autism (Ref: Syazreen et al. Prevalence of ASD among school age children in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine 2024, Vol.24(3):71-80). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism shows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries, and affects families from all social and educational levels.