What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to speak, communicate, socialise, learn, play and behave in an ‘appropriate’ manner. The cause of ASD is not known but it is diagnosed in approximately 1 in every 160 children under the age of 6, with boys four times more likely to have the disorder than girls.

A child with ASD, who has difficulty understanding the world around them, often demonstrates the following characteristics

Socially, ASD can be particularly hard for parents as the triggers for many of these anxiety-related behaviours do not appear obvious to other people, who simply see a ‘naughty child’.