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Autistic spectrum disorders Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about autistic spectrum disorders

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Will my child grow out of autism?

No. Autism is not something that you can grow out of - it continues to affect a person throughout his/her life.

Explanation

Autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong conditions - they don't go away by themselves and there is currently no cure for the disorders. A child who has an ASD will still have the disorder when he or she is an adult. They form a wide spectrum, and the degree to which your child is affected may be from mild to moderate to severe.

A child with ASD can change as he or she matures, and may learn how to manage his/her condition by the time he or she reaches adulthood. People who have an ASD can live a full and satisfying life with the right support. They may have relationships with others, marry and raise children, just like anyone else. Adults with 'high-functioning' autism or Asperger syndrome are often able to work very successfully in a wide variety of jobs.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has an employment consultancy service called Prospects to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome find work (see Further information for more details).

Further information

Sources

  • Autism: what is it? National Autistic Society. www.autism.org.uk, accessed 13 August 2008
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What extra help will my child receive at school?

Children with autism are entitled to extra help and support in school. Your child's school should have procedures in place for providing help to children who have special educational needs. However, if your child's school is unable to meet his/her needs, you can request a statutory assessment of your child's needs from your local authority. This will detail what specialist help your child needs and how this can be provided.

Explanation

The type of support your child may receive within his or her school may include:

  • extra support from a learning support assistant or teaching assistant on an individual basis or in small groups
  • different learning materials
  • special equipment
  • further specialist help from an educational psychologist, a specialist teacher and/or a speech and language therapist

Children with an ASD may be taught in one of the following types of school:

  • mainstream schools - your child is taught alongside other pupils, but the school may provide extra support for your child for a set number of hours a week
  • a base or unit within a mainstream school - pupils with an ASD are educated separately in the base, but are able to access the mainstream school when appropriate
  • special schools - these are schools specifically for children with special education needs
  • residential schools - pupils stay overnight here and are provided with support 24 hours a day

Which schools are available may differ between areas, so you should check with your local authority - they should provide you with a list of schools available in your area. Independent schools may also be available in your area (schools that aren't maintained by the local authority).

Sources

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What can I do if my child becomes distressed when visiting new places?

Try to identify what is triggering your child's anxiety and prepare him or her in advance when going to new places. Make sure that they go with their normal carer, who can provide comfort, support and explanation.

Explanation

Children with ASD often prefer fixed routines. Some react adversely when this is disrupted. Some children with an ASD may be over-sensitive to certain sensory information, such as smells, lights or sounds. Trips out to places such as the shops, where there may be lots of new and different sensations to experience, can often be a stressful experience. A new environment or a change to the normal daily routine may also be confusing or frightening for a child with ASD.

If your child becomes anxious or distressed while visiting new places, try to identify what is triggering their behaviour by keeping a diary. It can help to prepare your child in advance of going to new places. For example, show him or her a picture of the place where you are going (eg a shop), and explain what you will do when you get there. You may find it helps to use a timetable to explain to your child the different steps that will happen during your trip, including how they will get there, when they will eat and when they will return home.

If your child still becomes distressed while you are out, the following tips may help.

  • Use earmuff, earplugs, a walkman or sunglasses if noise or bright/flickering lights cause your child to feel anxious.
  • Build up your child's tolerance to new events. For example for shopping, begin by taking your child to a local shop for a couple of minutes, gradually building up to a longer trip to a supermarket.
  • Give your child a familiar toy or comforter to take with him/her - this may help to focus their interest on something else while in a stressful situation.
  • Allow your child to have some calm time - such as winding down in the car or at home, after being in a situation of high stimulation.

Further information

Sources

  • Your child: out and about. National Autistic Society. www.autism.org.uk, accessed 18 August 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr C. Melville MBChB FRCPCH, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

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