What are autism spectrum conditions?
Autism spectrum conditions are a group of complex neurobiological conditions that typically last throughout a person's lifetime. A diagnosis is based on behaviour and it can be picked up as early as 18 months-of-age.
Autism is characterised by varying degrees of difficulties in communication skills and social abilities and interactions, and also by repetitive behaviours and a restricted range of activities and interests. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
What causes autism?
It is still unclear what triggers the brain to develop differently in children with autism. However, researchers have now widened the search and are no longer looking for a single cause, realising there are many different types of autism with many different types of causes.
Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for autism - up to 20 sets of genes may play a part in its development. Genetics alone, however, can't account for all the cases, and so scientists are also looking into possible environmental origins, as well as other triggers.
What are the signs of autism?
No two children with autism are alike, but there are some signs that many of them share and that experts agree may be as recognisable as early as the toddler years, or even sooner. Children on the spectrum have early difficulties with social and communication skills, for example, learning to talk or in initiating and maintaining eye contact. Children with autism also exhibit repetitive behaviours, such as flapping their hands or lining up of toys, and may also have different sensory responses to the sight, sound and touch information their body receives.
If you suspect that your child is displaying characteristics of autism, don't wait - talk to your doctor about getting your child assessed. New research shows that children as young as one may exhibit signs of autism, so recognising early signs and knowing developmental milestones is important.
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Our research impact
Our research team is focusing on two major areas - identifying the causes of autism, and developing effective interventions for those living with autism.
They are:
- Developing new and innovative ways to reduce the disability associated with autism. They are looking for therapies for babies to improve social and communication skills, as well as iPad apps and games that could improve social skills.
- Discovering the developmental pathways that can lead to autism, through studies like the Australian Autism Biobank. This is a national study collecting detailed information on children diagnosed with autism by creating the largest repository of biological/behavioural data. This study will be one of the largest autism biobanks in the world.
