What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

"I know I am alive; I breathe, move, talk and function just like any other Human Being. However, I understand (because it has been said to me) that other people perceive me as being different to them … Life seems to me to be like a video that I can watch, but not partake in." (Wendy Lawson)

"I am proud of who I am and autism is part of who I am. In fact, you cannot separate the autism from what I do, think or am." (Bovee, 2000)

These comments are from people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Appreciating the perspective of people with ASD and their families is fundamental to understanding ASD and providing effective support.

Impact of ASD on individuals and families

ASD is a life-long developmental disability which affects communication and social interaction, and is associated with a lack of flexibility in thought and action. Its form and severity can vary from person to person, and its effect may vary for an individual depending on the situation and the person's emotional state. People with ASD all share some difficulty in making sense of their world. A broad range of pervasive developmental disorders, including Asperger syndrome, are considered part of the autism spectrum.

ASD has been described as a `hidden' disability that affects every aspect of a person's day-to-day life, including social inclusion. Each person with ASD has a unique profile of abilities and needs, even though everyone with ASD has common characteristics.

People with ASD often use apparently rigid rules to make sense of the world. These rules are logical to the person with ASD, but may conflict with the flexible and often unspoken conventions that guide typical social interactions.

Some people with ASD will have significant support needs with everyday tasks while others will need small amounts of support to sustain education or access to the community.

Families and whānau may experience high levels of stress in caring for children with ASD, who can present communication and behaviour challenges. Despite the challenges experienced by people with ASD and their families and whānau, they can, and do, make a valuable contribution to society.

back to top

Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

It is relatively easy to describe the characteristics of ASD. However, diagnosis is a complex process because it is only in particular combinations of several of these characteristics that the diagnosis is made. Diagnosis is usually completed by medical specialists, such as a paediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or a multi-disciplinary team

In one recent international study the prevalence rate of all autism spectrum disorders is 116.1 per 10,000 children, with a prevalence of autism of 38.9 per 10,000 children.

(Baird, G., Simonoff, E., Pickles, A., Chandler, S., Loucas, T., Meldrum, D., & Charman, T. (2006). Prevalence of disorders of the autism spectrum in a population cohort of children in South Thames: the Special Needs and Autism Project (SNAP). The Lancet, 368(9531), 210 – 215.)

However, studies report widely varying rates, often related to differing definitions and non-representative samples. ASD has been found to affect more males than females.

To date, the number of people with ASD in New Zealand has not been systematically determined. Estimates based on the prevalence rate given above suggest that over 40,000 people in New Zealand have ASD. However, the degree to which people with ASD are affected within their everyday life varies significantly.

More information about what to do if you have concerns about your child, or a child you are supporting,  is available on this website.

There are many excellent and detailed books, resources and websites about ASD and providing effective support. These resources are not a substitute for skilled, experienced and specialised help. Contact your local Ministry of Education, Special Education office about special education services in your area.

The Ministry of Education, Special Education in consultation with representatives of the Ministry's ASD Reference Group, has produced a publication called ASD: A Resource for Teachers. Although aimed at teachers, this resource is also useful for other people supporting children and young people with ASD, including parents. It introduces some of the challenges faced by students with ASD, some of the characteristics of these disorders, and practical strategies for support. To request complimentary copies of this booklet email: asd.mailbox@minedu.govt.nz [no spam].