Understanding Autism and these beautiful minds is something that parents, communities, schools and educators are starting to embrace, and inclusivity is becoming more common place in many schools across Bangkok…..finally.

“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” — …

Autism is a developmental disorder and needs to be correctly assessed by a professional as early as possible which can make a huge difference in a child’s developmental and learning journey, there is no need for children on the Autism spectrum to suffer silently any longer. Early diagnosis means children they are receiving appropriate treatment at key developmental stages, they can be assisted to gain essential social skills and the ability to act better in social situations. These are valuable tools that will help the children to be more independent require fewer services as they age.

Making a Diagnosis

When making a diagnosis of autism in children, doctors look for problems in the following 2 main areas:

• Social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication
• Repetitive behaviors, no behavioral flexibility, nervous system disorder

Autism involves a variety of developmental delays. The signs may be obvious or subtle. In some cases, autism cannot be diagnosed in the first visit, and for an effective evaluation, the signs and symptoms must be monitored frequently at several locations, such as schools and nurseries. Signs of the disorder can be difficult to identify or diagnose. It requires extensive experience for doctors to be able to diagnose and treat children with autism effectively.

Upon hearing that their child has been diagnosed with autism, some parents enter a state of denial and refuse to accept the diagnosis at first. Sometimes they will even tell others that their child has just been diagnosed as a late talker by the doctor because they are afraid that their child will be rejected by the school as most people believe that autism is a very serious condition. However, due to ongoing efforts to increase autism awareness, some parents understand the signs and have their children diagnosed during the early stages of autism. Early diagnosis and accurate treatment improve the results significantly, leading to near-normal development in the long term.

Some families with autistic children do not believe that their children have any problems and they leave their children untreated. Some families become depressed and disappointed with their children. They do not have their children trained appropriately and stimulated for development. The autistic children lose the chance to have normal development and come back to be treated when they have grown up, which makes it more difficult for them to be trained appropriately and have their development stimulated. When autism is left untreated into its late stages, some parents have to quit their jobs to look after their children.

A child’s brain develops rapidly during the first five years of life. If autistic children are treated early, they will have a chance of normal development, and their oral communication skills and social interactions will be improved with no repetitive behavioral disorders. Some children with autism go on to earn a degree and work in the same way as their non-autistic peers.

With thanks to Dr. Nattawat Ngamsamut, M.D., Paediatric – Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Samitivej International Children’s Hospital – Srinakarin Campus

Where To Get Help for Kids With Autism

Trying to find help overseas for kids with an autism spectrum disorder can be incredibly difficult and worldwide there are thousands of autism organizations offering information, resources and services. While you should always consult a physician if you are concerned your child may have autism, you may also have an organization in your country that could provide additional support. Autism speaks offers help and support for many parents in different communities and can offer assistance in finding someone in your country and connect you with other families to offer support in similar situations.

Locally here in Bangkok there are many learning support centers and schools who offer support for both children and parents.