Increase in autism testing referrals

The Sam Sharpe Diagnostic and Early Intervention Centre in St James is reporting a significant increase in autism testing referrals, driven by heightened awareness among parents, paediatricians and educators.

In an interview with JIS News, Joshcia Lawrence-Brown, acting manager at the centre, said that more parents are seeking assessments after observing delays in their children's early development, particularly in speech and language.

"A lot of parents get concerned in the early development years of the child, when the speech and language are not developing as expected, and so we have referrals being increased," she said. While many parents seek testing for their children around the ages of four to five, others are beginning the diagnostic process as early as two years old. Lawrence-Brown reiterated that studies are still under way to find the causes of autism, while emphasising that it extends beyond speech development issues. She described autism as a condition that impacts brain development and functioning, ultimately influencing how individuals think, communicate, and experience the world. She underscored the importance of early intervention, noting that autism can appear differently in children.

"One child on the spectrum will manifest the characteristics differently and have a different severity, requiring less support, as opposed to a child at the other end of the spectrum who will require more support," she said.

To raise further awareness, she pointed out social communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviours as key characteristics of autism. Children may fail to develop necessary social skills, such as making eye contact or effectively engaging with peers and adults. Additionally, they may have rigid routines or display strong fascination with specific objects or activities.

Lawrence-Brown also stressed the value of support networks for caregivers.

"It's important for parents to allow themselves to benefit from support groups," she said, noting that help is offered at the Jamaica Support Association.