Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong neuro-biological condition.
People with AS share the core features of social and communication differences, special interests and repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivity.
Biological symptoms of Autism include:
- gastrointestinal issues (reflux, pyrrole syndrome, MTHFR gene defect)
- irritable bowel symptoms
- sensitivity to medications and toxins
- yeast overgrowth
- immune system problems
- sleep disturbances
- asthma, eczema and psoriasis
- communicating and interacting with others
- with flexible thinking
- processing information from their senses
- with social thinking
Characteristics of Autism
Autism impacts all areas of a person’s life and how they cope in everyday situations. Although each Autistic individual is unique, some of the challenges they share include:
- difficulty understanding what you say, and delays with processing instructions
- difficulty with eye contact and other nonverbal body language, such as gestures and facial expression
- difficulty telling you what they want or need
- difficulty making choices
- difficulty making ‘small talk’
- a tendency to take things literally
- seeming awkward and uncomfortable in certain social situations
- unusual responses to sensory input, including intense aversions to certain textures, sounds, movements, tastes or visual patterns or lights
Examples sensory stimuli are:
SOUND: clapping/applause; rain on a roof; loud/sudden noises; (balloon bursting, fire drill alarm) lawn mower; vacuum cleaner; clock ticking.
SIGHT: fluorescent lights; sunlight; flashing lights; fans; even a curtain flapping in the breeze.
SMELL: glue; paint; fertilizer; perfume; deodorant; toothpaste; washing powder.
TOUCH: people touching them deliberately or accidentally; the tactile feel of clothing or substances on the skin.
TASTE: the taste and texture of foods – they will often stick to known foods.
- may have trouble with poor coordination and motor clumsiness; this can affect their handwriting ability and gross and fine motor skills
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have difficulty with self-organisational and time management skills. This skill is known as ‘executive function'.
- unusual or unexpected behaviours in response to their confusion and stress
- preoccupation with certain topics
- repetitive behaviours (such as hand flapping, body rocking, or finger flicking)
- always wanting to do certain things the same way or to keep things the same
- high anxiety/stress levels
- rigid posture
Strategies to Support Autistics
- Develop and use visual prompts for instruction, such as:
- Use colour-coding for times of day e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning/afternoon tea, shower, bedtime
- Highlighting important information – who, what, when, where, how & why
- Highlighting important information – who, what, when, where, how & why
- Provide visual directions
©Nelle Frances 2003
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Evaluate and assess sensory needs. Is there problems with:-
- textures and tastes of foods
- stress and anxiety causing mouth ulcers and oral thrush
- acute hearing and sound sensitivity
- sensitivity to bright lights – encourage the use of sunglasses, Irlen lenses or a hat
- Use simple one-step instructions at ALL times, and allow for processing.
- Advance warning of changes in routine.
- Take anxiety seriously
- Conduct staff training on Autism for all who come in contact with the individual.
My son's best friend Declan was diagnosed with Asperger's. Before diagnosis we just thought he was a little quirky! He loved jumping on the trampoline - with a spoon in each hand! My son thought it was a great game!
Thank you for this information - it really does help to have a greater understanding.
Cheers
Danni
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