Behind the masks

As babies grow into toddlers, they constantly soak in the world around them like little sponges trying to make sense of it all.

A big task for any child, but it gets even more complicated when that child begins to show autistic characteristics.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, autism was most prevalent among children aged five to 14 in 2015, reflecting the general increase in diagnosis for school-age children. However, Goulburn Valley Developmental Clinic psychologist Tracy Dunkley said parents with children as young as one year old can start to see signs.

“Diagnosis may be later, but the traditional early markers can often be identified at that age,” she said. “They could be children that don’t respond to their name, use less gestures and find it difficult to make eye contact.”

Using the ASDetect app can help parents tune in to these differences.

As children reach primary school age, signs of autism are identifiable through difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour.

As with typical developing children, differences in gender are also present.

Traditionally, girls are diagnosed much later as they generally develop better social skills than boys.

“Many girls don’t get diagnosed, or they may get diagnosed with other mental health conditions, like anxiety or dyslexia,” Tracy said.

“Parents can see they’re having difficulties, but it’s not identified as autism due to girls being much better at masking.

“Girls are often more interested than boys in trying to fit in they learn through observation what they’re supposed to be like and learn to act that way in public.”

No matter the gender, Tracy reassured parents there was a lot of support and resources related to autism.

“The first step would be to consult a trusted healthcare professional,” she said.

“Speech or occupational therapy are amazing at providing play-based therapy for children and supporting parents to learn from their child and begin to advocate for their needs.”

Tracy is also running an online parent support and education group called Know to Grow Autism.

Whichever service is used, Tracy encouraged it to be centred on understanding for parents and children, with an emphasis on better coping and managing of neurodivergences.