What Is Autism?
Background
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive patterns of specific behavior. This is a lifelong development disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is on the rise and this can be attributed to the increase of knowledge. The Centre for Disease Control CDC (2016) reported that 1 in 54 children in the USA is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism than girls.
The World Health Organization in 2019 reported that 1 in 160 children has Autism spectrum disorder. A slight variation was reported in 2005 by (Mash & Wolfe); academic, psychologist and published authors that 4 in 10 000 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder. 67 million people are affected by ASD globally. By comparison, more children are diagnosed with Autism each year than juvenile diabetes, AIDS or cancer combined.
Eswatini is not spared from the effects of ASD. In 2020 the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) and Autism Eswatini, released a study that revealed 1 in 6 people in the Lubombo region has ASD and this translates to 16.7 percent of the Lubombo region’s population. The study further revealed that majority of these households are living below the poverty line with E 874.00, ($58) per month. In the absence of a national study on ASD, the above-mentioned survey is used as the starting point for ASD related national statistics in Eswatini.
Causes
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably may factors that make a child more likely to have ASD including environment and generic factors.
People with ASD have the following characteristics:
Communication, social interaction, and repetitive patterns in specific behaviors. Autism may significantly limit the capacity of an individual to conduct daily activities and participate in society. Autism often negatively influences the person’s educational and social attainments as well as employment opportunities. While some individuals with Autism are able to live independently others have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support. Autism often imposes significant emotional and economic burden on people with these disorders and their families.
Caring for children with a severe form of the condition may be demanding, especially where access to services and support is inadequate. Therefore, the empowerment of caregivers is increasingly being recognized as a critical component of care for children with Autism.
More characteristics of ASD include:
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have ASD including environmental and generic factors.
- Highly focused interests or hobbies
- Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
- Social communication and social interaction challenges
- Over and under sensitivity to Light, Taste, Sound or Touch
- Extreme anxiety
- Meltdowns and shutdowns
- Some may struggle from other comorbid conditions
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