Autism
Children with autism exhibit, to a greater or lesser degree, a Triad of Impairment, which is the defining characteristic of autism:Communication:
Language impairment across all modes of communication: speech, intonation, gesture, facial expression and other body language.
Imagination:
Rigidity and inflexibility of thought process: resistance to change, obsessional and ritualistic behaviour.
Socialisation:
Difficulties with social relationships, poor social timing, lack of social empathy, rejection of normal body contact, inappropriate eye contact.
Language and communication:
People with autism have difficulty understanding the meaning of words and the intention of the speaker; they take things literally and are not able to interpret gestures, intonation, facial expressions or body language. Many children will have delayed speech and some may not develop speech at all and will need other communication aids e.g. pictures, photos, gestures etc. Eye contact will be difficult for them.
Inflexibility of thought and imagination:
People with autism have difficulty manipulating thoughts in an imaginative way. They may become unduly upset by any changes in their known pattern of life or routine. They may have a tendency towards repetitive actions within a restrictive range, such as body rocking, hand or arm flapping. They do not usually play with toys conventionally, they may watch one part of it or do the same thing to it for long periods. Imaginative play is limited, especially if other children are involved, although some children can imitate something they have seen.
Lack of social skills:
People with autism have little or no understanding of normal social interaction. They do not automatically make relationships and have difficulty understanding that other people have feelings, thoughts and intentions. They will have difficulty playing and communicating with others, or taking others’ feelings into account.
Sensory perception and responses:
Some children will be over-sensitive to certain sounds, smells, sights, lights and textures. They may react to changes in their clothing, food, noise and light levels. Their daily environment should be ‘autism friendly’ - secure so that they cannot wander into unsafe areas, visually helpful as to what is in or behind cupboards, drawers, doors etc. As well as being hypersensitive to some stimuli, children with autism may have very high pain thresholds, so any playtime or classroom ‘accident’ should be carefully checked.
What causes autism?
To date, there is no clear answer to this question. It is believed to be present from birth (in most cases - though there is debate about whether it can develop later). It appears to have some genetic predisposing factors and is associated with some types of brain damage. Work is being done on the possibility that allergies and dietary intolerances play a part. It is now clear that it is not caused by bad parenting - an idea which, thankfully, has been discredited.
It is unlikely that any single cause is going to be found. It is probable that a number of factors are operating together to give rise to the condition. As yet, there is no proven cure. As work progresses in this area it may be that prevention or improved treatment may be a possibility.
It is important to note that the word is different. It is not necessarily wrong or a lesser way of being. We should always respect the right of the person with autism to be themselves. However, the world in general does not share their view of life. If children are to have any chance of taking part in our world they must learn to understand it and make sense of it as best they can.
Autism is a very individual disorder. The manifestations are diverse and all of the problems can be found in relation to other disorders. It is the ‘Triad of Impairment’ that is the common feature to all people with autism. It is also important to remember that people with autism are not immune to other illnesses or handicaps. It is tempting to attribute every difficulty experienced to the autism but it may be due to deafness, depression or even just the normal behaviour of a boisterous and mischievous child. As with any child, your child will be influenced by their own personality, family characteristics, their own strengths and weaknesses.
Children with autism find listening and giving attention to the spoken word very difficult. Make it easier for them by keeping unnecessary ‘chat’ to a minimum, speak clearly and calmly, ensure you have their attention before speaking and allow lots of time for them to make sense of what you have said.
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:
The National Autistic Society the largest autism charity in the UK can help with local support groups; information on autism for individuals, parents, professionals; befriending; training; assessment centre; links and much more
Website: www.nas.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 070 4004
Parent to Parent Line: 0800 9520 520
Resources for Autism affiliated to the NAS, supports individuals with autism and their families on an ongoing basis. Help with social skills, communication, play, emotional support.
Tel: 020 8458 3259
Web: www.resourcesforautism.org.uk
Email: admin@resourcesforautism.org.uk
Autism Direct for parents/carers offers professional home-based detailed assessments and advice
Tel: 07754 902686
Web: www.autismdirect.co.uk
Autism Independent UK
A lot of info on the website, diagnostic & assessment resource centre, helpline, quarterly newsletter, training, library of books and videos.
Web: www.autismuk.com
Email: autism@rmplc.co.uk
Tel: 01536 523274
BIBIC (British Institute For Brain Injured Children)
Tel: 01278 684060
Website: www.bibic.org.uk/
Centre for Autism and Related Disorders
Tel: 0870 899 8898
Web: www.centreforautism.com
Contact a Family provides support and advice to families.
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
The Disabilities Trust
Tel: 01444 239123
Provides a range of specialist education services, housing and support for children and adults; also has an Autism Awareness website - a meeting point for people concerned with autism.
Web: www.disabilities-trust.org.uk
Web: www.autism-awareness.org.uk
PAPA Parents And Professionals & Autism
Tel: 028 90 401729
The Northern Ireland Autism Charity
Website: www.autismni.org
The Scottish Society for Autism
Website: www.autism-in-scotland.org.uk
Tel: 01259 720044
Reading: see also OAASIS information sheet ‘Books – where to find them’
OAASIS publishes A First Guide to Asperger Syndrome (2nd edition) in its First Guide series. Price £6.00 plus p&p. You can ring or write to OAASIS at the address over the page for a publications list / order form or visit the website. OAASIS free Information Sheets: including others on aspects of ASP, please contact OAASIS for the full list or download them on the website www.oaasis.co.uk
Information for parents - autistic spectrum disorders a free book with lots of advice and contacts available from:
DfES Publications, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 602 2260
Check these publishers for new books on Asperger Syndrome/autistic spectrum disorders, which come out regularly:
David Fulton Publishers
Tel: 0208 996 3610
Website:www.fultonpublishers.co.uk
Email: mail@fultonpublishers.co.uk
Order via Bookplace Ltd,
Tel: 08000 921 554
Email: customerservice@bookplace-ltd.co.uk
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Website: www.jkp.com
Email: post@jkp.com
Tel: 0207 833 2307.
The NAS
Website: www.nas.org.uk
HO Publications
Tel: 0207 903 3595
NAS books are ordered via Centre Books Ltd
Tel: 0845 458 9911
Email nas@centrebooks.com
Sage Publications
Web: www.sagepub.co.uk
(includes Paul Chapman Publishing and Lucky Duck books) for all professionals working in schools and educational settings.
SEN Marketing
Website: www.sen.uk.com
Email: info@sen.uk.com
Tel/Fax: 01924 871697
And the internet book shop www.amazon.co.uk.
INTERNET SITES:
If you have Internet access, there are many, many websites. Try the following for starters:
www.autism-awareness.org.uk
a site run by The Disabilities Trust. It has news, events, a message board and publications.
www.autismdirect.co.uk
for parents/carers – offer home-based detailed assessments and advice. (Tel: 07754 902686)
www.autismmedical.com
the website for the UK charity Allergy Induced Autism.
www.autism.org/contents.html
is the US Center for the Study of Autism site. Many links plus sites for siblings.
www.autism-smile.co.uk
a home based therapeutic play approach enhances communication skills, language development, imaginative play and helps children interact more effectively.
www.autismuk.com
website of Autism Independent UK, clearly laid out with much information.
www.autisticsociety.org
a UK site for parents, families, professionals with a wide range of information from news, education, law, therapies, statistics, personal stories, forums and much more.
www.maapservices.org
a US site for More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger syndrome and Pervasive developmental disorder.
www.mugsy.org
website of The NAS (Surrey Branch). This is an excellent site with lots of up to date information, news, and resources wherever you are in the country.
www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
this is a very informative and full American site, run by OASIS (On-Line Asperger Syndrome Information and Support). It covers autism as well as AS.
www.users.dircon.co.uk/~cns/
is a site for Students with autism & AS at college or university.
Cambian Education Services run seven residential special schools and colleges for young people with autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger Syndrome/HFA, severe learning difficulties. Please contact OAASIS for the prospectuses of our schools and college specifically for autism.
OAASIS produces 8 chargeable publications entitled ‘First Guide to…’; wallet sized cards explaining 9 learning disabilities and a wide range of free Information Sheets. Please contact OAASIS for the full list, or view them on the website at www.oaasis.co.uk. All the information sheets are checked annually, please ensure you have the current version.
© OAASIS (Office for Advice Assistance Support and Information on Special needs) This article can be freely reproduced with due attribution of authorship.