Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a progressive disability that hinders social communication and behavioural challenges. Persons with ASD interact and learn differently from others, they find it difficult connecting, understanding others or even expressing themselves. Their reactions to how things taste, smell, or feel are also uncommon.

Information coming out of the World Health Organization states that one in 160 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism disorder starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. 

There is no definite age for autism but there are certain red flag stages. If by 12 months, the child is not responding to their name, making eye contact or not really playing: these are early signs although not a definite diagnosis. 

A definite diagnosis is made by the age of two years, although in developing countries, diagnosis can be delayed up to four years due to a lack of awareness.

There is no blood test or specific test used to diagnose someone with autism. The process of identifying someone with autism is carried out by a healthcare provider, whenever concerns are raised by parents regarding a child’s developmental issues, a review is conducted and upon completion, a diagnosis is confirmed.  

ASD is obvious within the first 5 years of life.  Persons living with ASD often present with other reoccurring illnesses, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). The level of intellectual functioning in persons with ASD is enormously variable extending from intense deficiency to superior levels. 

During a conversation with Dr. Shavorn Belle-Jarvis; Head of the Paediatrics Department at the Mount Saint John Medical Centre, a number of issues regarding autism were highlighted.  

“It is very difficult to pinpoint a specific cause of autism but in the vast majority of cases, genetics play a huge role. A child is likely to have autism if born to an older parent, and if a family has a previous child with autism, it is highly likely that the next child will also have autism.”

“There does not appear to be any environmental factors which contribute to autism. Vaccinations are not proven to be responsible for autism cases either and premature babies too are at a higher risk of having autism, particularly for those born less than 26 weeks.”

“Early identification is the key, but autism is difficult to identify since up to 40% of persons with autism are non-verbal.  This then becomes difficult for parents to pick up on what is wrong with their children. Many children with autism tend to be self-isolating, they engage in self-inflicting injuries while others suffer with mental issues such as depression and anxiety”, stated Dr Belle. 

“There are programmes in place to assist those with autism in Antigua and Barbuda,” said Dr. Belle-Jarvis.

Topping the list is speech therapy which is available from healthcare providers who are in private practice. Those charged with the responsibility for public health services are making an effort to have the programme available in the public  domain as well.

Other programmes being offered by both public and private practioners are, behavioural modification therapy and occupational therapy. The behavioral therapy is done through the parents with guidance from a public health care provider.      

Additional information revealed that two-thirds of children with autism face severe lifelong challenges. Many have been bullied, have problems in schools, are unable to live independently, cannot function intelligently, are therefore unable to work and must remain reliant on others. 

People with ASD are subject to stigma and discrimination, unjust deprivation of health care, education and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities. 

Furthermore, while many with ASD are capable of living with some measure of independence, there are others with serious disabilities that require lifelong care and support.  

Currently, there is no statistical information on autism in Antigua and Barbuda but based on those from the United States, one in 54 persons have ASD. Studies have also shown that boys are 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism, 31% of persons with autism have a learning disability and at least 40% of persons with autism are non-verbal.

In observance of World Autism Day, the Paediatrics Department at MSJMC wore blue,  hosted a mini food fair and talks with parents of autistic children. 

Globally the frequency of ASD appears to be growing whether as a result of improved awareness, expansions of diagnostic criteria, better diagnostic tools, or improved reporting.    

In May of 2014 at the 67th World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution on autism spectrum disorders, WHA67.8.  It was a comprehensive and coordinated effort for the management of autism spectrum disorders. This resolution was supported by over sixty countries. The fourteenth annual World Autism Day was observed on Friday 2^nd of April 2021. “Autism Speaks” was this year’s theme.