Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is indeed a complex developmental condition that affects individuals in different ways. It is characterized by persistent challenges in several areas, including social interaction, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests.

Children with autism can experience behavioral problems that are intrinsic to their condition, as well as those that may arise due to additional or secondary mental health issues. Intrinsic behavioral problems associated with autism can vary from individual to individual but often include challenges related to sensory sensitivities, social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Hypersensitivity to sound, as you mentioned, is a common sensory issue experienced by many individuals with autism. They may have an intense reaction to loud noises or specific sounds, which can cause discomfort, anxiety, or even a strong urge to escape the situation. This hypersensitivity can indeed make certain environments, such as birthday parties or crowded classrooms, overwhelming for some individuals with autism.

Moreover, other sensory sensitivities related to touch, taste, smell, and visual stimuli can also affect their behavior and make it challenging for them to engage in activities or environments that may seem ordinary to others. These sensory difficulties can contribute to their difficulty in adapting to new situations, participating in social interactions, or attending school.

It's important to note that while these behaviors are intrinsic to autism, they can vary in intensity and manifestation among individuals. Some children may be more affected by sensory sensitivities, while others may struggle more with social interactions or communication. Each person with autism has unique strengths and challenges, and the specific behavioral issues they face can vary greatly.

Understanding and addressing these intrinsic behavioral challenges is crucial in creating supportive environments and implementing appropriate interventions to help children with autism thrive.

                                 

Real difficulty with change, these kids are probably, as a result of their many different needs, develop a very fixed need for routine, they like things done in just a certain way, which can be quite rigid.

And the kids actually often kind of thrive in that environment, but life gets in the way. You never know when there's going to be a Pro-D day at school. The kid doen't go to school on friday, he freaks out, because it's not expected. Or the mother's sick and can't take him to an activity. So these children don't do well with change at all. So change in the environment, which can be expected or unexpected.

Most families who are concerned about their child will consult their family doctor or pediatrician, and they can then get referred to a psychologist, or in certain parts of North America like British Columbia,  there are specific clinics that just diagnose children with autism. 

One of the defining features of ASD is difficulties in social interaction. People with ASD may have trouble understanding and responding appropriately to social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. They may struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations, forming and maintaining relationships, and interpreting social situations.

In terms of communication, individuals with ASD may have delayed speech development or difficulties with language. Some individuals may have limited speech or be nonverbal, while others may have well-developed vocabularies but struggle with understanding and using language in a social context. Additionally, individuals with ASD may have challenges with nonverbal communication, such as understanding gestures or maintaining eye contact.

Restricted and repetitive behaviors are another characteristic of ASD. These behaviors can manifest in various ways, such as repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping, rocking), adherence to strict routines or rituals, intense interests in specific topics, and sensitivity to sensory input (e.g., hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights). These behaviors can vary significantly in intensity and focus among individuals with ASD.

It is important to note that the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with ASD. Some individuals may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may have higher levels of functioning and need less support. This variability is why it is referred to as a spectrum disorder.

The understanding and diagnosis of ASD have evolved over time, and ongoing research continues to shed light on its causes, treatments, and support strategies. Early intervention, individualized therapies, and support systems tailored to the needs of individuals with ASD can significantly improve their quality of life and help them reach their full potential.

One of the problems and core features of autism is difficulties in social interaction.  
Sometimes as the children get a little older, they want to have interactions with other children but they don't know how. So they may barge into a conversation, and the other kids look at them and are not very tolerant because they don't understand that the kid doesn't really get it. There are certain un-returned intrinsic rules of social interaction that most of us just get. We just get it. It's somehow hardwired into us.

Other children and autistic children in particular have to have these rules of social engagement taught; otherwise, they get upset, the other kids get upset and it's not good. And what's worse, these kids get very frustrated and can end up getting aggressive.                             

One example of what can be done for children with autism who have these problems in social interaction is to train them in social skills. An example of this is to work to develop a script as if you're in a movie on what to do when you meet other children.  

Apart from the social script training, we also use a lot of picture communication training so children with autism often have real problems with language and we all know that a picture can tell a thousand words so we use a picture that maybe reminds the child what to do when they meet another child which might be a picture of the child waving and saying hello, might be as simple as that.  Pour plus d'informations et les services locaux des psychiatres ou psychologues locaux ou des conseillers locaux à Montréal et à Québec PQ, contactez votre psychiatre local  

If your child is exhibiting any of these signs that suggest autism, you need to contact your family doctor, pediatrician and get referred for a diagnose of autism which is usually done by a psychologist or a psychiatrist who's trained in the diagnosis of autism. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.  

Presenter: Dr. Robin Friedlander, Psychiatrist, Burnaby, BC

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