What is ASD and PDD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is a developmental disability that often affects the way a child relates to their environment and their interaction with other people. There are a range of difficulties people with ASD may experience, however some of the main areas of difficulty are in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behaviour/interests, sensory interests and sensitivities, as well as intellectual impairments and learning difficulties.
It's estimated that 1/100 people suffer from ASD! Check out Autism Spectrum Australia for more info.
When to Refer?
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Your child has limited use of words
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Limited use of non verbal communication (pragmatic skills). For example, eye contact, facial expressions and gestures.
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Limited use of pretend play
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Unusually focused on a particular interest
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Repetitive body movements e.g. hand clapping
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Lack of interest with other people and activities
