Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is usually diagnosed in children around the age of two or three. Autistic signs are shown in social interaction problems and communications, and/or restricted and repetitive behavior. These characteristics are different from Asperger Syndrome, which shows no delay in language or cognitive development.

Autism in children seems to affect the male more than the female, averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of 6 per 1000 and this seems to be a dramatic increase from the 1980s. However it is not clear if this increase was actual or due to changes in autism diagnosis. In the past, autism symptoms were confused with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

There is no cure for autism but there is a wide range of Autism therapy available. Such therapy range from ingesting dietary supplements to abstinence, from physical and occupational therapy to equipment and mechanical devices.

In Singapore, there are positive signs in treating autism using the neurofeedback equipment. However the autism treatment centres practising this are cautious in promoting this form of autism therapy. It is not yet considered mainstream treatment. However, this may soon change. Reports of similar successes are now coming in from the US and Europe. For parents with such children, this new autistic services must be very heartening. We too hope that finally a more effective method is found.