Previously Asked Questions
We cannot provide professional advice or opinion through the “Ask Autism Hub” feature. However, our team are happy to answer general questions about ASD/Neurodevelopmental disorders.
What is a "JAM Card" and where can I obtain one?
Question submitted on 25th September 2026
Answer: A “JAM Card” is a card that allows individuals with ASD, a learning difficulty, or another condition to communicate to retail or public transport staff that they may need a little extra time and/or assistance, without having to explain this verbally. There are four message options on a JAM Card:
• “Please be patient, I have autism”
• “Please be patient, I have a learning disability/difficulty”
• “Please be patient, I have a condition”
• “Ramp Please” (for public transport)
At the time of writing (September 2026), a JAM Card can be obtained through the JAM Card website or from participating Transport for Ireland (TFI) operators, or by contacting the TFI Customer Contact Centre.
– The Autism Hub Team
What is the difference between "idiopathic autism" and "syndromic autism"?
Question submitted on 28th May 2026
Answer: Idiopathic autism refers to presentations of ASD in which no specific underlying genetic disorder or syndrome has been identified. This represents the majority (approximately 85%) of ASD presentations. Idiopathic autism is thought to result from a complex interaction of multiple genetic and environmental/epigenetic factors, rather than from a single clearly identifiable syndrome.
In contrast, syndromic autism refers to instances of ASD that occur in the context of a condition with a known genetic aetiology, such as Fragile X syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome. Individuals with syndromic autism often present with additional features beyond the core characteristics of ASD, such as distinctive physical features, intellectual disability, or broader developmental and medical conditions.
– The Autism Hub Team
References:
Casanova, M. F., Casanova, E. L., Frye, R. E., Baeza-Velasco, C., LaSalle, J. M., Hagerman, R. J. et al. (2020). Editorial: Secondary vs. Idiopathic Autism. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11: 297. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00297
Benvenuto A., Moavero, R., Alessandrelli, R., Manzi, B., & Curatolo, P. (2009). Syndromic autism: Causes and pathogenetic pathways. World Journal of Pediatrics, 5(3), 169-176. doi: 10.1007/s12519-009-0033-2
Why do psychologists conduct cognitive (IQ) testing as part of the diagnostic assessment for ASD?
Question submitted on 20th May 2026
Answer: Psychologists often conduct a cognitive (IQ) test as part of the diagnostic assessment for ASD to help measure the individual’s current level of intellectual functioning and identify their profile of cognitive strengths and relative weaknesses. Cognitive assessments examine abilities in areas such as problem solving, verbal reasoning, visual-spatial skills, crystallized knowledge, and working memory. Individuals on the autism spectrum often have uneven cognitive development, with stronger abilities in some areas than others. Understanding an individual’s overall intellectual ability, together with their unique cognitive profile, can provide valuable insight into how the individual learns and processes information, and can help guide relevant supports and interventions.
Psychologists interpret IQ scores within the context of a comprehensive clinical assessment, as factors such as anxiety, concentration, sensory sensitivities, language ability, and familiarity with the testing environment may influence performance.
– The Autism Hub Team
References:
The Psychological Society of Ireland (2022). Professional practice guidelines for the assessment, formulation, and diagnosis of autism in children and adolescents, 2nd edition. The Psychological Society of Ireland. Dublin.
Klinger, L. G., Mussey, J. L., & O’Kelley, S. (2018). Assessment of intellectual functioning in autism spectrum disorder. In S. Goldstein & S. Ozonoff (Eds.), Assessment of autism spectrum disorder, 2nd edition (pp. 215–262). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Can a child with ASD show typical development in early childhood and later experience regression in acquired skills?
Question submitted on 4th March 2026
Answer: Yes, some children with ASD show a period of apparently typical early development and then lose previously acquired skills — a pattern known as developmental regression. This most often involves loss of spoken words, reduced eye contact, or decreased social engagement that had previously been present.
Studies suggest that approximately 30% of children with ASD experience some form of regression, most commonly between 18 and 24 months of age (though reports range from about 15 to 30 months). In many cases, the loss affects language and social communication, but loss of other skills — such as play, gestures, or adaptive (daily living) skills — may also occur. Research suggests that some children who regress may have had subtle atypicalities in early development that were not particularly obvious at the time.
The exact neurodevelopmental processes that lead to regression in some children with ASD are currently not well understood, and remain the focus of ongoing research.
– The Autism Hub Team
References:
Barger, B. D., Campbell, J. M., & McDonough, J. D. (2013). Prevalence and onset of regression within autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(4), 817-828. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1621-x
Tan, C., Frewer, V., Cox, G., Williams, K., & Ure, A. (2021). Prevalence and age of onset of regression in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analytical update. Autism Research, 14(3), 582-598. doi: 10.1002/aur.2463
Furley, K., Mehra, C., Goin-Kochel, R. P., Fahey, M. C., Hunter, M. F, Williams, K., et al. (2023). Developmental regression in children: Current and future directions. Cortex, 169, 5-17. doi: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.09.001
What is Alexithymia?
Question submitted on 26th November 2025
Answer: Alexithymia is a psychological trait characterised by difficulties identifying, understanding, and describing one’s own emotions. Individuals with alexithymia may find it hard to recognise what they are feeling, distinguish emotions from physical sensations (such as hunger, fatigue, or tension), or express emotional experiences clearly. Alexithymia is not a clinical diagnosis, but a trait that can be found in ASD and various other conditions, such as depressive disorders, eating disorders and PTSD.
Research suggests that possibly up to 50% of individuals on the autism spectrum may have alexithymic traits, which can contribute significantly to their social communication difficulties. Professionals who work with people with alexithymic traits may use certain psychotherapeutic techniques to help develop the individual’s emotional awareness, body–emotion recognition, and emotional vocabulary.
– The Autism Hub Team
References:
Hogeveen, J., & Grafman, J. (2021). Alexithymia. In K. M. Heilman & S. E. Nadeau (Eds.), Disorders of emotion in neurologic disease (pp. 47–62). Elsevier. doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822290-4.00004-9
Kinnaird, E., Stewart, C., & Tchanturia, K. (2019). Investigating alexithymia in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Psychiatry, 55, 80–89. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.09.004
Oakley, B. F. M., Jones, E. J. H., Crawley, D., Charman, T., Buitelaar, J., Tillmann, J. et al. (2022). Alexithymia in autism: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with social-communication difficulties, anxiety and depression symptoms. Psychological Medicine, 52(8), 1458–1470. doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720003244
What is the "Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations" (RACE) Scheme, and it is relevant for students with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ASD and ADHD?
Question submitted on 8th September 2025
Answer: Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) are supports provided for students with disabilities, additional needs, learning difficulties, and/or neurodevelopmental conditions (including ASD, ADHD, dyslexia etc.) during the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. The child’s school will guide parents and students on which accommodations are appropriate, based on the student’s needs and professional reports. More information about RACE can be found here.
– The Autism Hub Team
Is it possible for a couple to have a child with ASD even if there is no history of autism in either parent’s family?
Question submitted on 1st June 2025
Answer: While heritability represents the strongest known risk factor for ASD, studies have shown that a couple can still have a child with autism even in the absence of any (known) family history. De novo genetic mutations, which occur spontaneously in sperm or egg cells, or postzygotic mutations that occur in the embryo shortly after conception but are not inherited, can also be a risk factor for ASD. Note also that some people may be unaware of a family history of autism, as the condition often went undiagnosed in earlier generations, especially when the autistic presentation was relatively mild or misunderstood.
– The Autism Hub Team
Reference:
Alonso-Gonzalez, A., Calaza, M., Amigo, J., González-Peñas, J., Martínez-Regueiro, R., Fernández-Prieto, M. et al. (2021). Exploring the biological role of postzygotic and germinal de novo mutations in ASD. Scientific Reports, 11, 319. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79412-w
You have a directory of special schools that cater for children with ASD on your website. Where can I find a list of special classes within mainstream schools?
Question submitted on 25th April 2025
Answer: A list of special classes within mainstream schools (for the 2025/2026 academic year) is available on the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) website. You can find it here.
This list is updated periodically, so we suggest checking the NCSE website regularly for the most current information.
– The Autism Hub Team
Can a child have both Down Syndrome and ASD?
Question submitted on 3rd April 2025
Answer: Yes, Down Syndrome and ASD can co-occur. Research suggests that approximately 16% of children with Down Syndrome also meet the criteria for ASD, which is significantly higher than the prevalence of ASD in the general population. Individuals with both conditions tend to show milder social difficulties and emotional issues compared to those with ASD alone. However, these children will exhibit many of the restricted and repetitive behaviours characteristic of autism, along with a range of sensory and motor difficulties. Because some traits of Down Syndrome — such as delayed speech and social challenges — overlap with those of ASD, diagnosis can be complex. As a result, ASD may go undiagnosed, or may be identified later in individuals with Down Syndrome. Therefore, it is important that any concerns about possible autism in children with Down Syndrome are assessed as early as possible, to help ensure that the child receives the appropriate supports and interventions for their individual needs.
– The Autism Hub Team
References:
Richards, C., Jones, C., Groves, L., Moss, J. & Oliver, C. (2015). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder phenomenology in genetic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry, 2(10), 909-916. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00376-4
Warner, G., Howlin, P., Salomone, E., Moss, J. & Charman, T. (2017). Profiles of children with Down syndrome who meet screening criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A comparison with children diagnosed with ASD attending specialist schools. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 61, 75-82. doi: 10.1111/jir.12344
What is an Assessment of Need (AON)?
Question submitted on 2nd February 2025
Answer: Assessment of Need (AON) is a term used in the Disability Act of 2005 to describe the assessment process to identify an individual’s various needs. In relation to children with suspected ASD, an AON is a multi-faceted process which involves various assessments conducted by clinicians from different disciplines. The assessments are conducted to identify the child’s health, psychological, intellectual and educational needs. The various assessments can be conducted by clinicians who work in the HSE (or other State-funded services) and/or by clinicians who work privately. The child might need to see a Speech & Language Therapist, Audiologist, Occupational Therapist, Paediatrician, Psychologist and/or Psychiatrist.
When the relevant assessments are completed and the accompanying written reports are available, the child can be referred to the appropriate intervention services. These services can be availed of through either the Public/State-funded services (e.g., CAMHS, National Council for Special Education (NCSE), Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT), Enable Ireland etc.) or alternately from private service providers (e.g., PSI Chartered Psychologists, Speech & Language Therapists and/or Occupational Therapists registered with CORU).
* Whether the clinician works in the public (or other State-funded) services, or in the private sector, it is important for parents to check that the clinician is registered with their professional body/regulator. A list of registered clinicians who provide private services for individuals with ASD can be found here.
– The Autism Hub Team
I am interested in using the "Picture Exchange Communication System" (PECS) with my child who is non-verbal. Where can I purchase it?
Question submitted on 23rd October 2024
Answer: If you haven’t done so already, we recommend that you seek guidance from an appropriate professional (e.g., Speech & Language Therapist) regarding whether PECS would be an appropriate intervention strategy for your child. You can purchase PECS materials from the company’s official website (Pyramid Educational Consultants): https://pecs-unitedkingdom.com/pecs/
– The Autism Hub Team
What are "Autism Alert Cards" and where can I obtain one for my child with autism?
Question submitted on 17th September 2024
Answer: “Autism Alert Cards” are designed for children with ASD to carry on their person. The card contains vital details such as the child’s name, contact information of their parents or caregivers, as well as information about autism. These cards help ensure the child receives assistance if they become separated from their family or caregiver. At the time of writing (September 2024), these cards are available from the Irish Society for Autism. The clinician who diagnosed the child can provide a brief letter confirming the ASD diagnosis, which can be used when applying for an Autism Alert Card.
– The Autism Hub Team
I am applying for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) for my child who has a diagnosis of autism. Which professional signs the relevant form?
Question submitted on 4th September 2024
Answer: At the time of writing (September 2024), the DCA Dom Care 3 form requires a signature and Medical Council Number (MCN) from a physician. The GP (General Practitioner) typically completes the said form after being provided with a copy of the diagnostic report.
The Domiciliary Care Allowance Specialist’s Report (Dom Care 3) form can be found here.
– The Autism Hub Team
Why do psychologists sometimes request that a child undergo a medical evaluation/blood testing before they complete an ADHD assessment?
Question submitted on 26th August 2024
Answer: In line with best-practice guidelines, psychologists and psychiatrists often request that a patient undergo a medical evaluation, including blood testing, before conducting a formal assessment for ADHD. This is done to rule out any organic conditions that may be causing (or contributing to) the individual’s poor concentration, restlessness, or related cognitive difficulties. Conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, vitamin B12 deficiency, and low iron levels can produce symptoms similar to ADHD (particularly the inattentive symptoms). Therefore, it is important for the clinician conducting the ADHD diagnostic assessment to ensure that such medical issues are not the underlying cause of the mentioned symptoms before proceeding with the assessment.
– The Autism Hub Team
Reference:
Sadek, J. (2023). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder misdiagnosis: Why medical evaluation should be a part of ADHD assessment. Brain Sciences, 13(11):1522. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13111522
Is it true that older men are more likely to have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder than younger fathers?
Question submitted on 23rd August 2024
Answer: Yes, that is correct. The reason for this is to do with spontaneous (de novo) mutations in DNA within sperm cells. Sperm precursor cells divide approximately every 15 days, and this continuous division and copying process can lead to errors in the DNA sequence. As a man ages, the number of errors in his sperm cells increases. Typically, a 40-year-old man will have more than twice as many de novo DNA errors in his sperm cells compared to a 20-year-old man. While most of these mutations are harmless, some can contribute to the risk of ASD. Although the chances of an older man fathering a child with ASD are still relatively low (in absolute terms), the risk does significantly increase with paternal age. The rise in the prevalence of ASD observed in recent years may be attributable, at least in part, to couples having children later in life.
– The Autism Hub Team
References:
Hultman, C. M., Sandin, S., Levine, S. Z., Lichesnstein, P. & Reichenberg, A. (2011). Advancing paternal age and risk of autism: New evidence from a population-based study and a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Molecular Psychiatry, 16, 1203–1212. doi.org/10.1038/mp.2010.121
Kandel, E. (2018). The disordered mind: What unusual brains tell us about ourselves. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
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