Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term used widely for a range of disorders affecting the development of:

• social interaction - difficulty with social relationships (appearing aloof & indifferent to others)

• social communication - difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication (not understanding tone of voice, meaning of common gestures or facial expressions)

• imagination - difficulty in the development of interpersonal play and imagination (limited range of imaginative activities, possibly copied and pursued rigidly and repetitively)

In addition to these characteristics (known as the triad of impairment), repetitive behaviour patterns and resistance to change in routine are often associated with the diagnosis.

How are ASD diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis of ASD, clinicians need evidence of each of the triad of impairment to make a diagnosis.  This can be undertaken once a child has reached a certain level of development – usually two or three years of age.

What are the consequences of ASD?

ASD has dramatic consequences and results in a lack of understanding of the thoughts, feelings and needs of others, and challenges in acquiring the subtle, unspoken rules of social interaction. 

Instead of the usual wide range of social interests, typically those affected have a narrow, repetitive pattern of activities that absorb most or all of their attention.  This leads to significant social isolation.

What are the causes of ASD?

The specific causes of ASD are unknown, although they are accepted to be neurological in origin.

Are there variations in ASD?

There is great variation in the way social interaction, communication and imagination (known as the triad of impairment) are manifested.  Attempts have been made to define specific subgroups, with the best known of these being Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Autism refers to those who have no interest in social interaction, little or no language, and who tend to live in their own world of stereotyped activities.  On the other hand, Asperger Syndrome describes those who are more capable, have developed language, and who try to make social contacts albeit in naive and inappropriate ways.

How does ASD relate to Pervasive Developmental Disorder?

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is a term devised by the American Psychiatric Association to cover autism and related conditions, and now serves as an umbrella term for all autistic spectrum and related disorders.  However, in the UK, ASD is more commonly used to describe conditions which clearly fall on the autistic spectrum.

Is there a cure for ASD?

ASD is a lifelong condition, for which there is no known cure. However, there are many treatments and interventions, which can greatly improve their quality of life.

Can people with autism be helped?

Specialist education and structured support can really make a difference to the life of a person with ASD, helping to maximise skills and achieve full potential in adulthood.

Interventions from a range of professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and community nurses) have demonstrated positive outcomes in the care and management of those with ASD.

What can New Horizons offer abused children with ASD?

New Horizons has experienced residential childcare staff that are able to provide a nurturing yet contained and structured environment that will provide the routine and support needed for a young person with ASD.

With the ready availability of a multidisciplinary team, interventions can be implemented across a number of domains for each young person.  With specialised psychiatric resource available for consultation, New Horizons is able to provide an ideal environment to care for significantly harmed children with ASD.