Autism / Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism is neurodevelopmental — a difference in how the brain develops, present from early childhood and lifelong. The NHS puts it plainly: it’s not an illness, and there is no cure to look for — what matters is understanding and support. And one thing worth saying to every parent: autism is not caused by parenting style. Nobody fully knows what causes autism, though it can run in families.

What “spectrum” actually means

Not a line from “mildly autistic” to “severely autistic” — the National Autistic Society is explicit that this old picture isn’t right. Every autistic person has a unique combination of characteristics: different strengths, different challenges, different support needs. Two autistic children can look nothing alike. Some autistic people speak fluently; some have limited or no speech and communicate in other ways — gesture, writing, sign, or communication devices.

What it means in Singapore

KKH notes that signs of autism can be noticed in children from as young as 12 months, and that autism can be identified in early childhood. Concerns go to a GP, polyclinic, or paediatrician, who can refer to KKH’s Department of Child Development or NUH’s Child Development Unit. Early-intervention support through EIPIC can start on a paediatrician’s at-risk assessment — before any formal diagnosis.

From our home

Our daughter is autistic. The signs were subtle enough that an experienced doctor reassured us when she was two; she was assessed at about three and a half. Noticing quietly and asking properly is the whole game — our early-signs guide is where to start.