The Autism Show | 12 Episodes on Different Perspectives from Individuals with ASD & Their Community

The Autism Show | Different Perspectives from the Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the ASD community

Autism affects people's relationships with family, friends, and work. How are they doing in those areas?

‘Autism’ is not a word that we will hear much in our daily life. To some people, ‘Autism’ might sound foreign or irrelevant, but to some others, it is the opposite. Not many people know whatAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is, let alone understand how it impacted the individuals with ASD and their families in our communities.
In this series, we explore everything about Autism ranging from signs and symptoms to the increase in prevalence rate, to diagnosis and treatment. You will also hear from many parents and individuals with Autism. We aim to raise awareness of autism and share stories that support and inspire the community.

EP1: The Invisible Disability and Determined Persistence

After a child is diagnosed with ASD, many parents have undergone dramatic changes both emotionally and physically. As they venture to accept their child’s diagnosis and search for supports, what also comes along are the everyday stress and the concerns for their child’s future. In this episode, four parents from Hong Kong shared with us what it’s like to be a parent of a child with autism, and the challenges they encountered along their journeys.

EP2: A Better Tomorrow

The number of SEN students in Hong Kong has been on the rise in recent years and yet, the services provided by the government are not sufficient. With the long waiting time, insufficient and unaffordable services, many children with ASD have missed the golden period of treatment, which has greatly delayed their learning progress. In episode 2, we will explore the journey of parents in getting access to the limited resources available in Hong Kong for their children on the spectrum.

EP03: Doctor on The Street – What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

What do you know about Autism ? Let’s follow AP’s Behavior Consultant, Dr. David Fischer, to find out what people in Hong Kong know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

EP04: The Causes of Autism

Since the first diagnosis of autism in 1943, the exact cause of autism remains unclear till today.
There have been many theories about the causes of autism around the world, but most of them are ambiguous and non-evidence based. Come join us today as we examine the causes of autism.

EP05: Explaining the Increase in the Prevalence of ASD

The rate of autism (ASD) diagnosis has increased markedly over the last 20 years, and is currently the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. According to the data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020, approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism.
In this episode, Mr. Toby Mountjoy will discuss some of the reasons of the increase in the prevalence of ASD.

EP06 Recognizing Potential Signs of Autism in My Child

If a child is developing differently from their peers, their parents, caregivers, or teachers are usually the first to notice. Today we will be hearing stories from parents about when and what made them suspect that their child might have autism. Not reaching an expected developmental stage doesn’t mean your child has autism, but if you suspect that your child may have autism, the first step is to seek professional advice, and a diagnosis. Trusting your gut feeling and seeking help is the first step to help your child.

EP07 What are the Early Signs of ASD in Toddlers? An interview with BJ Freeman

In this episode of The Autism Show, Dr BJ Freeman, a renowned clinical psychologist with a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders, shares her professional perspective with us about some very first signs of autism in toddlers. What is the first thing that parents notice about their children in general, and when? 

We hope that this information will help new parents to get some ideas about what to do if they notice any developmental delays in their children.

EP08 Street Interview: 4 Autism Myths Busted - ASD Diagnosis and Symptoms

Are you familiar with the diagnosis and symptoms of ASD?
On this week’s show, our reporter Beverly will go on the street in Mong Kok, Hong Kong to ask the general public about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)!

EP09 Understanding the ASD Assessment Process

Understanding how your child is assessed in an ASD assessment is important for parents.

In this episode, we will go through the common standards and procedures that you, as a parent, should expect in an ASD assessment.

EP10 Challenges in Families with Children with ASD

A child’s autism diagnosis affects every member of the family in different ways.

Parents must now place their primary focus on helping their child with autism, which may put stress on their marriage, other children, work, finances, and personal relationships and responsibilities.

In this episode, we have invited Marlene Driscoll (M.A., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) to discuss how autism diagnosis has impacted a family, and offer advices for parents, sibling and extended family members on coping with the diagnosis.

EP11 A Mother’s Perspective - Challenges Associated with the Diagnosis of Autism

Parents experienced all sorts of emotions when they received their children’s diagnoses. And a child’s autism diagnosis affects every member of the family in different ways.In this episode, we have invited a mom to share the challenges associated with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from a mother’s perspective.

EP12 Exploring Treatment Options for Autism

More and more new treatments claiming to be effective for autism are being introduced as the global prevalence rate for #ASD rises.

Different professionals and agencies have their unique ideas and approaches on how to “treat” and “cure” children with ASD, but how many of them have been proven effective? How should parents be sifting through the different treatments?

This episode will provide you with guidelines for evaluating treatment and highlight some warning signs that you as a parent should watch out for when considering ASD treatment options.