What does ASD look like?

1. What does ASD look like? A resource to help identify Autism Spectrum Disorder

2. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a group of conditions where a person has a noticeable delay or difficulty in three important areas of development: communication social thinking. What is ASD?

3. People with ASD: are often delayed in developing communication or language have unusual ways of making themselves understood have difficulty in understanding others use language in an unusual way do not always understand gesture, facial expression or body language. Communication

4. People with ASD may: not join in with play or social opportunities like to do things on their own not respond to greetings, smiles or waving not know how to share their toys or things of interest to other people may have difficulty with conversation, social situations, or social rules. Socialisation

5. People with ASD may: prefer routine and structure, and like to do things in a particular way or order dislike change or moving from one place or activity to another have poor organising or problem-solving skills overreact to loud noises or particular smells have unusual movement patterns have strong interests in particular subjects. Thinking or behaviour

6. Each person with ASD will be very different because of: their level of difficulties in each area their family setting and circumstances their level of intellectual ability individual factors such as personality. Some people with ASD also have other disorders (such as epilepsy) What does ASD look like?

7. If you suspect that someone you know might have ASD, it is important that you approach the situation carefully. The possibility of ASD can seem devastating to an individual or family Some cultural groups have differing views about disability People need appropriate referral and access to good quality information about ASD Does this person have ASD?

8. If you think someone you know may have ASD, you should talk to a senior colleague or an education or health professional who has experience with ASD You can get them to help you make a plan to discuss your concerns with the person or their family/whānau and give them contacts for a health or education professional who can make further assessments What can you do?

9. The term ASD is very wide ranging. It takes a lot of expertise to make a diagnosis Early diagnosis and interventions usually result in positive effects on later skills Diagnosis also means that people and families can access information, education, support, and sometimes other services Diagnosing ASD

10. New Zealand Guidelines Group Altogether Autism Autism NZ Ministry of Education Further information