Autism Answer Hub

Autism & Diagnosis

1. What is autism?

2. What causes autism?

3. Is autism becoming more common?

4. Is autism hereditary?

5. Can autism be cured?

6. Can children with autism live independently?

7. Are individuals with autism geniuses or have a special talent?

Early Signs & Development

8. What are the early signs of autism?

9. My child doesn’t respond to their name. Should I be concerned?

10. My child has speech delay. Could it be autism?

11. My child avoids eye contact. Does that mean autism?

Autism Screening & Diagnostic Evaluation

16. How do I know if my child needs an autism screening?

17. What is the difference between an autism screening and a diagnostic evaluation?

18. What happens during an autism diagnostic evaluation?

ABA Therapy

26. What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

27. Does Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy work?

28. Is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) harmful?

Choosing an Autism Intervention Provider

37. What should I look for when choosing an autism intervention provider?

38. Why does intensive Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy cost more than other therapies?

39. Why do fees vary between different autism centres?

Starting at EAP

43. What happens during my first visit to EAP?

44. What programmes does EAP offer?

Parents & Everyday Life

49. Will my child ever learn to speak?

50. Can children with autism attend mainstream school?

51. What can parents do at home to help their child with autism?

Practical Information

54. How do I book an appointment?

55. Where are EAP’s centres located?

56. Do you offer online consultations?

References

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Autism Speaks