Whelehans pharmacy autism part 2

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. Tel 044 93 34591. This is a continuation of last week’s article in the Examiner on autism.

Symptoms and signs

Typically, symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) first appear during infancy or childhood, and generally follow a steady course without remission. About half of parents of children with ASD notice their child's unusual behaviours by age 18 months, and about four-fifths notice by age 24 months.

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders states thatfailure to meet any of the following milestones indicates autism is likely:

-No babbling by 12 months.

-No gesturing (pointing, waving, etc.) by 12 months.

-No single words by 16 months.

-No two-word (spontaneous, not just echolalic (just repeating what someone else said)) phrases by 24 months.

-Any loss of any language or social skills, at any age.

Once diagnosis is made then there are recognised protocols and systems in place to help children with ASD and their families manage and flourish. For the purpose of this article I will look specifically at Autism and adults as there is less written about autism after childhood.

Some people with ASD grow up without their condition being recognised, sometimes through choice.

It is never too late to be diagnosed with ASD. Getting a diagnosis of autism (including Asperger) can be a really positive step. A lot of adults say their diagnosis has helped them to understand why they find certain things difficult, and also why they are especially good at some things.

Treatment

If you receive a formal diagnosis of autism, the person making the diagnosis should share information from the assessment with your GP. With a proper diagnosis, adults with ASD, in conjunction with other specialist health professionals, come up with a treatment plan.

ASD patient may be able to access local autism support services, if these are available in their area. Autism is a spectrum, so every individual’s needs are very different and they will respond differently to different forms of therapy or intervention.

Range of services currently listed via HSE, although not consistently or available everywhere

-Residential care ranging from campus-based settings to high, medium and low support community housing to individual supported living.

-Respite/Home Support/Outreach.

-Day Service Programmes ranging from autism-specific to programmes within Intellectual Disability, Physical/Sensory Disability and Mental Health Services.

-Rehabilitative & Vocational Training

-Employment Supports

-Behavioural Therapy

-Mental Health Supports

-Family Support

-Autism-Specific Education/Training for Professionals working with ASD clients.

Medical

Being a neural disorder, autism cannot be treated through medicines. However, people with autism display higher incidences of a range of both mental health and physical conditions than those who do not have autism. This includes the likes of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, insomnia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

So, in relation to medication, it is vitally important that the correct support and treatment for ASD patients, ie planning, environment, education, learning etc is in place to minimise any potential adverse effects relating to the conditions above. The reasons people with autism have higher incidences of these mental and physical problems is not fully understood.

This article is shortened to fit within Newspaper space limits. More detailed information and leaflets is available in Whelehans