Some information has been obtained from Autism Speaks

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of complex neurobiological disorders that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Two milder forms of the disorder are known as Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified).

How common is ASD?

According to the most recent Australian statistics, 1 in 160 individuals has an ASD diagnosis. This equates to around 125,000 people with ASD in Australia, and 500,000 families directly affected by ASD.

What are the causes of ASD?

No one knows for sure. Though it's understandable to expect that a disorder as common as ASD would have a known cause, in many ways it's still quite mysterious. Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for ASD -- 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.

Is there a cure for ASD?

Unfortunately, experts have been unable thus far to come up with a cure for ASD. Many treatments and therapies have surfaced since the disorder has grown more visible in the mainstream press, but reputable doctors have yet to agree on any that will reverse the diagnosis. But there's hope: Scientists are hard at work every day finding a solution for this growing problem. Until such a cure is discovered, parents have been relying on early intervention programs such as applied behaviour analysis, or ABA, and play therapy to mitigate the behaviours associated with ASD. For some, these treatments have proven to be very successful, helping kids on the spectrum lead a full and active life.

How can I tell if a child has autism?

No two children with ASD are alike, but there are some signs that many of them share and that experts agree may be as recognizable as early as the toddler years, or even sooner. Children on the spectrum generally have difficulty relating to others; they may hardly speak, and if they do, they may not communicate in ways that other people can easily understand (they may screech loudly when they're upset, for example, instead of crying). They don't usually sustain eye contact - it's too intense -- and have trouble reading social cues. They're also prone to repetitive behaviours, flapping their hands constantly or uttering the same phrase over and over again. They may also be more sensitive than typically developing children, or dramatically less so, to sights, sounds and touch.

What should I do if I suspect something is wrong with my child?

Don't wait--talk to your doctor about getting child screened for ASD. New research shows that children as young as one may exhibit signs of autism, so recognizing early signs and knowing developmental milestones is important. Early intervention is key.

How do I participate in research?

Navigate your way to 'Our Research', and take a look at the research that we're currently conducting. If one or more of the research projects interests you, please contact the relevant researcher on the email or phone number provided.

How will my participation help others?

The information we get from our participants will help us to better understand ASD. We hope that this will lead researchers to find better ways of assessing and helping future generations of people with ASD. You and your child could be involved in an important scientific advance.

What happens to the results of the research?

The information we collect will be analysed and then written-up for publication in a scientific journal. These articles contain no information that could identify individual participants.

Will I be given information about what your study has discovered?

Yes, by participating in our research you will be sent an 'end-of-year' newsletter, which will contain lots of information about what we have found from our various studies.