WE are heading towards the end of Autism Acceptance Month and, while many of us are embracing our Autism journeys, many may not have even started it yet. The most obvious question would be, “I think it’s Autism. So, what now?”
I chatted with Lorryn Herbst, well known Clinical Psychologist and Co-Owner of The Mouse House in Gqeberha. She has been a lifesaver in our family’s Autism journey, and so many other families in the Bay. I asked her the questions that, I feel, weigh on many parents’ and people’s minds when faced with the possibility of autism spectrum disorder.
If any of these answers get the light bulbs blinking, it never does any harm to seek a professional opinion. It may be the one thing that separates you from struggling and getting the correct support and accommodations.
1. What are the main indicators that you may need to assess for Autism?
Some of the initial red flags for Autism include:
– A delay in meeting developmental milestones or a regression in milestones including delayed language and gesture use.
– Dysregulation due to sensory processing with meltdown behaviour.
– Difficulties with social interaction and social communication including a decrease or difference in showing or initiating joint attention.
– Unusual behaviours including self-stimulatory behaviour or repetitive behaviour, and difficulty with adjusting to changes in routine.
2. Can someone be too young to assess?
Symptoms of Autism can be identified from as young as 18 months of age however an official diagnosis is usually made between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age as many of the symptoms of Autism may be developmentally appropriate before this age. Early intervention is key so if a parent is concerned, it’s recommended to have an assessment in order to identify any areas of difficulty so that an early intervention programme can be started from a young age.
3. Can someone be too old to assess?
There is no age limit for assessment.
4. Who do you go to for an assessment?
Many parents first approach their Pediatrician who then refers them for an assessment. However, a parent is welcome to approach a Psychologist directly.
5. What if you do not have medical aid, are there any state facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay that can do the assessment?
Nelson Mandela University’s Psychology Clinic (UCLIN) offers assessments conducted by first-year Psychology Masters students as well as Intern Psychologists. Assessment fees are highly reduced and are offered on a sliding scale based on the family’s means.
6. What happens in an assessment?
During an assessment with a Psychologist, there is usually a parent session first (without the child present) where all background information about the child is gathered. This includes prenatal history, birth history, developmental milestones, social development history etc. Additional questionnaires will be given to the parents as well as teachers to complete as part of the assessment. The assessment with the child usually comprises of two sessions where a psychometric test battery is used as part of the assessment process. The final session is the feedback session where the results of the assessment and recommendations on how to best help the child are discussed with parents.
7. Does Autism automatically mean your child needs to be medicated?
Absolutely not. There is no medication for Autism and if medication is recommended it is usually to treat some of the symptoms. For instance, if a child has significant difficulty with emotional regulation, medication may be recommended to assist with that particular symptom. Many autistic children are not treated with any medication and are rather supported with other therapies such as Occupational Therapy for Sensory Integration and Speech and Language Therapy.
8. What kinds of support are available to people on the Autism Spectrum in Nelson Mandela Bay?
Unfortunately, there is only one school, Quest School, in Nelson Mandela Bay that is government funded that caters specifically for Autistic children. There are, however, various private schools in the Bay for Autistic children. Additional supports such as Speech and Language Therapy as well as Occupational Therapy with Sensory Integration Trained therapists are also available. Autism Eastern Cape also runs a monthly support group for Autistic adults at Quest School.
There it is my spicy readers. If any of these answers resonate with you, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Keep it spicy, share the load and we’ll connect in the next issue.
Nicole Mohamed is mom of three humans, four furbabies and wife to an overgrown kid who is also, low key, a grumpy old man. Being diagnosed ADHD, she has a variety of interests and does extensive research into so many different topics, with really big words, that she’ll forget a month later but will recall in an instant in conversation (it’s a superpower really).
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