Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. It is called a spectrum because every child is different—some may have strong language skills but struggle socially, while others may need more support across communication, daily routines, or learning.

Globally, research estimates about 1 in 36 children are on the autism spectrum. In Singapore, a study in 2023 found that about 1 in 100 children may have autism. There is no single known cause of autism. Research shows ASD is associated with a number of factors, such aa

• Genetics play a strong role, with heritability estimated at 60–90%.
• Prenatal and perinatal factors, such as advanced parental age, prematurity, low birth weight, or complications at birth, may be associated with a higher chance of ASD
• Environmental influences (e.g., maternal health, nutrition, or exposure to pollutants) may also play a part, though none alone cause autism. Importantly, vaccines do not cause autism—this has been thoroughly disproven by large-scale studies.

ASD is diagnosed by a developmental paediatrician, psychologist, or sometimes a multidisciplinary team. The process usually includes:

• Observing your child’s communication, play, and behaviour.
• Parent interviews and questionnaires about developmental history.
• Standardized assessments for social, language, and learning skills.

Diagnosis is based on patterns of behaviour, not a single medical test. Early identification is important, as early intervention leads to better communication, learning, and social outcomes.

Feeding and Nutrition: What You Need to Know

Many children with ASD experience feeding difficulties such as:

• Picky eating or food refusal (reported in 46–89% of children).
• Strong preferences for textures or routines at mealtime.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which is more common in children with ASD.

These issues can affect growth and nutrition.

Ways to Support Feeding at Home

• Keep mealtimes calm and predictable with a routine.
• Offer a mix of familiar and new foods together, without pressure.
• Use visual aids (like a mealtime schedule) to prepare your child.
• Celebrate small steps, such as touching or smelling a new food.

How Therapy Helps

• Speech Therapists assess swallowing and oral skills to ensure safe eating, and also work with you and your child to increase food variety.
• Occupational Therapists support posture, sensory needs, and utensil skills.
• Dietitians make sure nutrition is balanced and optimised.

How Autism Spectrum Disorder Affects Speech Development

Children with ASD may show:

• Delayed speech or uneven language skills.
• Differences in social communication (e.g. eye contact, turn-taking, gestures).
• Repetitive or unusual speech patterns (e.g. echolalia, scripting).

 

Ways to Support at Home

• Use simple, clear language with gestures or pictures.
• Give extra time for your child to respond.
• Build routines for greetings, requests, and play.
• Use visual schedules or picture cards to support understanding.

 

How Speech Therapy Helps

• Play-based therapy (e.g., Hanen More Than Words) to build language through daily routines.
• Structured teaching (e.g., TEACCH principles) using visual schedules and step-by-step tasks.
• Parent coaching so strategies continue at home.
• AAC tools (e.g., picture cards, speech devices) to reduce frustration and support communication.

Movement and Motor Skills

Research shows 50–88% of children with ASD have motor difficulties, including:

• Clumsiness or poor coordination
• Delayed fine motor skills affecting handwriting or self-care
• Poor balance or posture affecting play and daily activities

 

Ways to Support Motor Skills at Home

• Encourage outdoor play like climbing, cycling, or ball games.
• Practice fine motor tasks such as drawing, puzzles, or Lego.
• Break activities into small steps and celebrate effort.
• Keep practice fun and varied to sustain interest.

 

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational Therapists (OTs) play an important role in building independence and daily skills. OTs can help by:

• Motor skills: improving balance, coordination, and fine motor abilities like handwriting or using utensils.
• Sensory needs: using sensory-based activities to help children regulate their responses to touch, sound, or movement, so they can focus better.
• Attention and routines: creating structured activities and visual supports to build focus, planning, and flexibility.
• Self-care: teaching practical skills such as dressing, feeding, and toileting in small, achievable steps.
• Play and social skills: encouraging turn-taking, pretend play, and interaction with peers.

Supporting You the Development of Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Ways to Support at Home

• Use visual schedules for structure and predictability.
• Create play opportunities that build both communication and motor skills.
• Keep routines consistent but introduce small changes to build flexibility.
• Stay connected with your child’s therapy team so strategies are consistent across home and school.

 

The Role of a Multidisciplinary Team

Children on the autism spectrum benefit from the care of a team, including:

• Developmental Paediatricians: assess development, diagnose ASD, and guide care.
• Psychologists: provide assessments, learning support, and family strategies.
• Speech Therapists: support communication, social interaction, and feeding/swallowing.
• Occupational Therapists: work on movement, coordination, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
• Dietitians: ensure nutritional needs are met

At Magic Beans, we work alongside families to provide practical, personalised strategies that fit naturally into daily life—helping children thrive at home, in school, and in the community.