Other health conditions

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of complex neurobiological conditions that typically last throughout a person's lifetime. A diagnosis is based on behaviour and it can be picked up as early as 18 months-of-age.

Autism is characterised by varying degrees of difficulties in communication skills and social abilities and interactions, and also by repetitive behaviours and a restricted range of activities and interests. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Type 1 Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses in childhood. About 120 children are newly diagnosed in WA each year and the incidence is increasing worldwide.

We don’t currently know how to prevent or cure Type 1 Diabetes and its exact cause is not known. We do know, however, that it is not caused by eating too many sugary foods, a poor diet or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs, airways and digestive system because of a malfunction in the exocrine system, responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus.

People with CF develop an abnormal amount of excessively thick and sticky mucus, which causes impairment of the digestive functions of the pancreas and traps bacteria in the lungs resulting in recurrent infections. Lung failure is the major cause of death.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition which usually first appears in childhood and is more common in boys. Children usually are at least five years old before they are diagnosed with ADHD. It can appear in different ways, usually as one of three basic types: predominantly hyperactive, inattentive, or combined. Inattentive girls present later, hence the sex difference is minimal in adulthood.