Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is estimated that 1 in 150 children in Singapore have ASD, with boys more likely to be affected than girls. Common signs include difficulties with social skills, communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensitivity to change in routines. While ASD affects each person differently, early diagnosis and treatment such as behavior therapy and speech therapy can help children with ASD develop skills and live independently. Parents should trust their instincts if they suspect ASD and seek help from professionals.

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder
UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING YOUR CHID WITH ASD

3. WHAT IS
AUTISM?
Known as ASD
Symptoms appear in the first three years of life
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability
to communicate reason or interact with others
However, that is not to say that they will develop entirely
different from others

4. WHO DOES ASD
AFFECT?
It is estimated that about 24,000 children in Singapore are
diagnosed with ASD today
Every 1 in 150 children actually has ASD
Occurs in children regardless of their racial, ethnic or social
economic background
More prevalent in boys than in girls

5. Typical characteristics
While every child who is diagnosed with ASD do not
exhibit the same characteristics, there are certain key
concern areas that parents can look out for that may
imply that a child is autistic. The following list compiles
some of the common traits of ASD

6. SOCIAL
• Child prefers to be alone, aloof or over friendly
• Unable to understand another’s facial expression and body language
• Unaware or disinterested of what is going on around them
• Resistance to being touched or held

7. LANGUAGE
• Problem maintaining a conversation
• Delayed speech
• Echolalia
• Little imagination and cannot pretend play

8. BEHAVIOURAL
• Causes injury to self (head banging, biting)
• Repetitive Play
• Inability to sense danger
• Obsessions with objects, ideas or desires
• Fascination with rotating objects

9. EMOTIONAL
• Highly sensitive or lack of sensitivity
• Unusual high or low pain tolerance
• Laughs, cries or throw tantrums for no apparent reasons
• Shows extreme frustration when there are changes in routines

11. 1. Learn about
ASD

12. 2. Accept your
child for the
difference that he

13. 3. Don’t wait for a
diagnosis

14. 4. Incorporate
routines and gradual
changes

15. 5. Don’t Give
Up!
Give them your endless support. Although it is almost impossible
to predict a course of the disorder, children with autism can
develop their abilities and make excellent progress and achieve
a higher quality of life with the relevant help as well as support.

16. Diagnosis

17. How is ASD diagnosed?
• No specific medical tests
• Specially trained psychologists can determine a diagnosis of a child based of his
behavioural and emotional characteristics
• Parents are encouraged to trust their instincts and provide for
early intervention with the appropriate resources and specialists to help with
the child’s developmental needs.

18. Treatments

19. Treatments
• Behaviour therapy • occupational therapy • physical therapy
• speech-language therapy • play-based therapy
• Diets that can also be said as an effective therapy treatment
for autism
It is important for parents to do their research and talk to autism treatment experts.
There should never be one type of therapy to adhere to, but instead, a holistic
approach of treating autism should be obtained to meet the needs of the diagnosed
child.

20. The best treatment
would be having the
with them to
support them

21. Myths & Facts

22. MYTH FACT
A child with ASD cannot socialize A child with ASD often wants to socialize
but lack the ability to develop social skills
MYTH FACT
ASD is caused by poor parenting Parenting styles do not and cannot cause
ASD. ASD is a neurobiological disorder.
MYTH FACT
10% of children with ASD are known to
All children with ASD have a have special talents however majority
hidden or exceptional talent excels in areas related to their own special
interest
MYTH FACT
A child with ASD will not lead a Given appropriate education and support,
normal independent and the child can grow to contribute
successful life successfully to the society

23. Currently no
documented Outcomes of
cure for autism. children’s lives
Respond very
are significantly
FAQs
well to early
educational improved when
intervention and
specialized there
vocational
placements.
was early
Discuss your diagnosis and
child’s special
appropriate
needs with the
professionals to treatment.
make an
informed
decision on
your child’s
education
path.

24. Child Development Unit KK Women and Children’s
Hospital
Specialist Clinic M, Podium 1, Children’s Tower,
100 Bukit Timah Road 229899
Tel: 6394-2211
Singapore General Hospital
Department of Neonatal & Developmental Medicine
Outram Road, Singapore 169608
Tel : +65 6321 4377
Autism Association Of Singapore
Blk 381, Clementi Ave 5, #01- 398, Singapore 120381
Tel: +65 6774 6649
Website: www.autismsg.org/antism/index.html
The Rainbow Centre Training & Consultancy
501 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149306
Tel : +65 6472 7077
Website : www.rainbowcentre.org.sg