Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability. Autistic people process information differently. They see, feel, and understand the world differently from non-autistic people.
Being autistic is different for every person and can come with strengths and challenges. Autism is characterised by difficulties communicating and interacting with others, being over-sensitive and/or under-sensitive to light, sounds, and smells. Autistic people can also find the world unpredictable and are more likely to have highly specific interests and an increased reliance on routines. Sudden or unexpected changes can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
Autism is a spectrum condition. This means that while autistic people may share some of the same characteristics, they will have different needs and abilities and will require different levels of support.
Autism itself is not a mental health problem, although autistic people experience mental illnesses at higher rates than neurotypical people.
What are the signs and symptoms.
Social communication challenges
Social interaction challenges
Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
Over or under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch
Highly-focused interests or hobbies.
Common experiences
Extreme anxiety
For many autistic adults, anxiety is a part of everyday life. Some experience extreme anxiety specifically in social situations.
When everything becomes too much, some people with autism can go into a ‘meltdown’ – when someone becomes completely overwhelmed by their current situation and temporarily loses behavioural control. The loss of control can be verbal such as shouting, screaming, crying or physical such as kicking, lashing out, biting. Meltdowns are often mistaken for temper tantrums and parents and their autistic children often experience hurtful comments and judgmental stares from less understanding members of the public.
Some autistic people may ‘shutdown’, a more passive response to being overwhelmed than a meltdown. An autistic person going quiet or switching off. Though it may appear less intense on the outside world, it can be as frustrating as a meltdown.
What help and resources are available for people who need support or further advice?
Get advice by seeing:
- A GP
- A health visitor (for children under 5)
- Any other health professional your child sees e.g. doctor or therapist
- Special Educational Needs (SENCO) staff at your child’s school
For more information:
It is important to gain a better understanding of autism to provide the best support you or your loved ones need. They provide diagnosis, more information on treatments available and help you connect to the right support.
- National Autistic Society
- NHS
- Ambitious about Autism
- Autistica
- AFASIC
- Autism Anglia
- Cambian Group
- Speacial Needs and Parents
There are five major types of autism which include.
Asperger’s syndrome,
Rett syndrome,
Childhood disintegrative disorder, (CDD)
Kanner’s syndrome,
Pervasive developmental disorder -Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
Managing the Different Types of Autism
Management of autism depends on the type of autism and the severity of symptoms. For instance, mild types of autism such as level 1 autism spectrum disorder can be managed through behavior modification or social training while individuals with Rett syndrome would require more substantial support like physical or occupational therapy.
Some forms of autism require behaviour modification and other additional support. You may be required to change your child’s diet to avoid preservatives, gluten, and artificial sugars. Another example is adding food colouring to different foods in a meal to encourage your child to improve their visual skills as they eat. Your family doctor will guide you on the specific treatment options that will best serve your child.
If your taking care of a child with Autism, you first need to identify the type of autism they are presenting with, after identification, you should then seek consultation from an expert to help you manage the specific type of autism disorder you and your child are living with.