Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It's called a "spectrum" because autism affects people in different ways and to varying degrees.
Early signs of autism may include:
In New Zealand, autism is typically diagnosed through:
Many autistic people have remarkable strengths:
Autism manifests differently in each individual, but common characteristics fall into these main categories:
Here are some examples of how sensory differences might feel for an autistic person:
Imagine trying to focus while:
This overwhelming experience can make it difficult to concentrate or function.
Imagine:
These visual sensitivities can make environments like shopping malls or classrooms challenging.
Imagine:
This can make noisy environments overwhelming and conversations difficult to follow.
There are many misconceptions about autism. Let's separate fact from fiction:
Vaccines cause autism.
This myth originated from a fraudulent study that has been thoroughly debunked. Extensive research has shown no link between vaccines and autism.
Autism has a strong genetic component.
Research indicates that autism is primarily genetic, though environmental factors may also play a role in some cases.
Autistic people lack empathy.
Many autistic people experience empathy deeply, though they may express it differently than neurotypical people.
Autism occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in NZ.
Autism affects people of all backgrounds in Aotearoa, though diagnosis rates may vary due to disparities in access to healthcare and cultural factors.
All autistic people have savant skills.
While some autistic people have exceptional skills in specific areas, this is not true for everyone on the spectrum.
Early intervention can improve outcomes.
While there is no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate support can help autistic people develop skills and reach their full potential.
There are many ways to support autistic individuals in various settings in Aotearoa:
In New Zealand, several government and community services support autistic individuals and their families:
Try these strategies when communicating with autistic individuals:
If you'd like to learn more about autism in New Zealand, here are some valuable resources:
The process for getting an autism diagnosis in New Zealand typically involves:
Note: Wait times for publicly funded assessments can vary by region. Private assessments are also available.