MHM Magazine

16 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 5 | 2021 MHM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a part of a group of permanent neurodevelopmental disorders that typically presents in the pre-school period. ASD features include persistent impairment in social communication, and social interaction with limited, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. These deficiencies interrupt the child’s ability to develop and maintain relationships in social situations, such as at home and school. The term ‘spectrum’ is used due to the inconsistencies in the description and seriousness of ASD features, as well as the differences in the abilities and level of functioning of individuals who have ASD. Individuals with a well- established DSM-IV diagnosis of Asperger’s disorder or Autistic disorder will receive the diagnosis of ASD in the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Sensory abnormalities are now included in the DSM-5 ASD criteria. CASE STUDY 1: The mother of a seven year-old boy reported that he had been different from her other kids since the age of three years. She noted that he showed less interest in social interaction and would smile and look at her as less when compared to his five month old sister. He also experienced problems with unusual and decreased speech. He didn’t use his words to express thoughts or feelings like other children and would only speak in simple sentences. She also reported problems with social interaction and communication when interacting with family, fellow learners and teachers. The mother described his play as unusual as he’d become upset when his play was disturbed or when small changes were made in his environment. He had a preoccupation with lightbulbs and preferred to play alone and failed to acknowledge other kids’ attempts to By Professor Deborah van der Westhuizen Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Designation: Principal Psychiatrist Head: Child and Adolescent Units Weskoppies Hospital, Pretoria Email: Debbie.mervitz58@gmail.com IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN CHILDREN