Q & A	中文

1. Is my child autistic?

Due to the complex and varying nature of autism, we must not simply judge by superficial symptoms such as a child's unwillingness to speak or to maintain eye contacts with others. More importantly, the severity of the symptoms, the effects on everyday functioning and school learning, and the duration of the problematic behavior are key assessment criteria.

Through a comprehensive assessment of children's socio-behavioral aspects, a psychologist can distinguish an autistic child and may conduct further standardized testing and behavioral observations to evaluate the autistic child's strengths and weaknesses in learning, personal behavior and social communication, thereby setting appropriate developmental goals for the child.

Autism is a serious and long-term developmental impediment. To counter the debilitating effects of autism, early intervention often via behavioral and speech therapy is indicated to enhance the child's communication skills. When parents fully understand their child's special characteristics, they can help their children exploit their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, thereby expanding their developmental horizons.

2. Since entering into the upper forms/high school, lately I find my child appears to be emotionally troubled. What could be the problem?

Youngsters entering pre-adolescence face the pressures of increasing school demands and new relations with the opposite sex. There is the natural concern about high school graduation requirements and following career prospects or college studies. At the same time changes in personal body shape and chemistry can be confusing, needing constant adjustment. Interest in the opposite sex is fast-developing and forming relationships with them requires the learning of new skill sets, which can be quite stressful.

Parents can reduce these pressures by lending positive support, tutoring their children in their schoolwork and guiding their schooling or career plans as appropriate. Further, parents can explain to their children about their changes physically and emotionally and introduce to them certain social skills in dealing with the opposite sex. However, if your child is observed to be in deep depression or emotionally disturbed for extended duration, then professional help is indicated.