Autism Spectrum Disorder -ASD is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders/conditions that affects the way a child communicates, interacts with peers and environment and affects their behavior. ASD can be associated with other conditions including Intellectual Disability, ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD and Epilepsy.

Autism is a life long condition that shows its features in children under 3 years. It brings about a difference in communication, social interaction, interests and reactions to sensory stimuli and sometimes causes atypical habits and body movements.

Exact prevalence of ASD in Ghana is not known however Victor Lotter a researcher estimated a prevalence of 0.7% in Africa using 6 different countries with Ghana included USA estimates a prevalence of 1in 54 children having ASD. There is a higher prevalence in boys (4:1).

The exact cause of ASD is still being researched but there is ample evidence to show that it is largely a multigenetic condition with some environmental risk factors. Some environmental factors identified include certain infections during pregnancy like rubella, taking sodium valproate during pregnancy and many more.

These include Poor or inconsistent response to name even though child has normal hearing. Delay in use of communicative gestures like pointing, waving, nodding Poor eye contact and poor attention to voice Repetitive behavior or activities like hand flapping, whole body rocking or spinning Unexpected reactions to the way things look, smell, feel, sound and move. Picky or selective feeding habits. Delayed communication or repetitive language. Solitary play or atypical or unusual and narrow interests and play. Emotional dysregulated. Tantrums and bothered by minor changes in their environment.