Autism and Deafness

Autism is not generally diagnosed before the age of 3 years in deaf children and is often not confirmed until as late as 7 or 8 years of age.  Advice is to look at milestones to see what is not developing appropriately.  If parents/carers or professionals have concerns they should ask early for a referral. Contact your local Deaf CAMHS for help in accessing the adapted autism assessments for deaf children and young people. 

If you have an example please get in touch exec@batod.org.uk

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Is this now background reading?

Careful observation and tracking development are the best ways to establish a child’s need so that practical strategies can be implemented as early as possible.  This then prevents habitual negative behaviours and anxiety which can be difficult to reverse or replace at a later date. Knowledge of the comorbidity of autism and deafness is increasing, making earlier diagnosis a possibility and greater awareness and acceptance of diversity is growing.

The senses: vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste send messages to the brain and help us make sense of our world.  We also have senses of vestibular proprioception which helps us know where our bodies are in space and interoception which gives a picture of our internal bodily functions.  The brain integrates all of this information and over time we associate these sensations with behaviours and social contexts.

Co-occurring patterns of deafness and autism

There are three autism adapted assessments for deaf children and young people that can be accessed through Deaf CAMHS:

Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
(A parent/carer structured interview gathering important information about the child) 

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Edition 2 (ADOS-2)
(A play and intervention assessment with the child with 5 modules for all age ability ranges) 

American Psychiatric Association, (2013). Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). Washington, DC: Author.  The latest edition of the diagnostic manual.

Attwood, A. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishing.  Excellent, easy to read introduction to Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism for parents and professionals.

National Deaf CAMHS

National Deaf CAMHS is a highly specialised mental health service for deaf children and young people with mental health issues launched in April 2009.  The service accepts referrals for assessment of Autism in deaf children and also hearing children of deaf parents.  There are now 4 hubs plus 6 outreach services covering England in Leeds, York, London, Taunton, Plymouth, Kent.  There is a six-bed inpatient provision in London.

The child at home does not always reflect the child a teacher may see so it is really important for professionals and families to liaise well.  Difficulties with sleeping and eating can impact daily life and may need specialist support. Autism and deafness can affect sibling relationships and family dynamics.  There are local and national services which can offer support. The web has various sites and fora which seek to offer practical and emotional support generally to families although not necessarily for a specific dual diagnosis.