Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”) is a neurodevelopmental disorder wherein it is believed that there is a disruption in the early development of the brain. The disorder is associated with a large spectrum and differs from one individual to another, the typical indicators are certain repetitive actions and activities, impairment of social interactions, and impairment of communication abilities. The common signs and symptoms usually reported by parents or care-givers from infancy include failure to engage in babbling or pointing, failure to make eye contact, failure to respond to their name.

It may also present as loss of language skills during the child’s second year, unusual response to certain sensory stimulus, unusual movement, obsessive interest and difficulty breaking from set routines. 

The prevalence of ASD in South Africa is currently unknown but as the years go by there is more and more research that is being done and a heightened awareness amongst medical practitioners and parents about the symptoms of ASD. There are many challenges that families with children with ASD are faced with,such as access to formal education for children, as well as access to resources and supportforthe effected families.