What is Autism?

For most of us this is the hardest question which can't be easily answered

Parents want to know what the diagnosis means, not just in theory but in every day terms or in other words - 'why does my child do that?'. The parental instinct to understand what is wrong with their child is the most important place to start. Professionals can be just as confused by the different ways in which autism affects different children they come into contact with.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism - a condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. People with Asperger's Syndrome may have difficulties with social relationships and in communication. They may also have limitations in social imagination and creative play. The autistic spectrum covers a range of difficulties and it may help to think of autism as a problem in the wiring of the brain or a problem with the way the brain works.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder's are usually described as the child or adult showing problems in 3 key areas -

  • Communication
  • Social Interaction
  • Rigid or Inflexible thinking

The person with autism can have more problems in one area than another but all 3 areas will be part of the problem. Additionally, most also have problems with sensory integration, which means that their senses send them confusing messages. They may have problems with sleeping, they may be highly selective in their choice of food and in some cases have bowel issues such as constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. However, for most the common issue is a problem with anxiety.

The world can be a very confusing place and the people in it can be so very hard to understand. Is it any wonder that anxiety and stress are a major factor? An individuals reaction can be to display behavioural problems and that can often be challenging for those around them who do not have autism.

The strengths of people with autism offer us a clue as to how we can help....

Adults and children with an autistic spectrum disorder are good at some things too and it is important that we think about these strengths as they will help us to work out how to help them.

  • The children I work with have a lot of energy and they enjoy physical, hands on things
  • They can have an excellent memory for things that interest them
  • They have real persistence for things that interest them
  • They can have excellent concentration and attention for things that they like or have chosen
  • They have excellent visual skills

If we remember these strengths we can use them and help the child or adult with autism to learn in a way that is meaningful to them.