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What is Autism?
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), is a developmental condition that influences how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. It is called a "spectrum" because everyone has their own unique mix of traits. Some people may find social interaction or communication harder or feel more comforted by routines.
It’s important to help children and young people understand themselves and others so they can navigate the world confidently.
Understanding Autism
Understanding Autism
Social Communication is the way we share our thoughts and feelings with others.
Social Communication is the way we share our thoughts and feelings with others.
Social Communication is:
Social Communication is:
• Talking and listening: It’s a two-way street where we share what’s on our mind and also hear what others have to say.
• Body language and tone: Communication isn’t just words; it’s also how we say them (e.g., your tone of voice) and our actions (e.g., smiling, making eye contact).
• Knowing when and how to talk: Like waiting our turn in a conversation or understanding when it’s okay to joke around.
Good communication makes it easier to:
Make Friends: allowing us to connect with others, share our thoughts and feelings, and build meaningful relationships.
Solve Problems: Clear communication helps us explain issues, understand different perspectives, and work together to find solutions.
Express Ourselves: Being able to communicate well means we can share our ideas, needs, and emotions, which is important for our well-being and self-expression.
Different communication styles:
Verbal Communication:
Some autistic children are very talkative and enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas verbally.
Non-Verbal Communication:
Others might use gestures, facial expressions, or body language to communicate..
Alternative Communication Methods:
Tools like picture boards, communication apps, or sign language can be incredibly effective.
Some Autistic Children have Amazing Skills such as:
Some Autistic Children have Amazing Skills such as:
Great Memory:
Exceptional recall of facts and details.
Attention to Detail:
Notice small details others might miss.
Creative Problem-Solving:
Innovative approaches to solving problems.
Deep Knowledge:
Extensive understanding of their interests.
Why It’s Tricky Sometimes:
Social communication can be challenging because it involves understanding both what is said and how it is said.
Challenges may include:
Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues:
Difficulty interpreting tone, pitch, body language, and facial expressions.
Context and Social Norms:
Challenges understanding the context of conversations and social rules.
Sensory Sensitivities:
Overwhelming environments and specific sensory preferences can affect communication.
What Helps Improve Skills:
Encouragement:
Support and praise their unique ways of communicating and their special skills.
Tools and Resources:
Use tools like picture boards or gestures to help them express themselves.
Practice and Patience:
Give them time and opportunities to practice their skills in a supportive environment.
Social Interaction is how people connect and relate to each other
Social Interaction is how people connect and relate to each other
Social interaction is:
Social interaction is:
Talking and Spending Time Together: Like hanging out with friends, having a chat, or playing games.
Understanding Relationships: Knowing when someone is a friend, classmate, or teacher, and acting differently depending on the relationship.
Picking Up on Feelings: being able to tell if someone is happy, sad, or angry by the way they look, speak, or act.
Good social interaction helps with:
Emotional Development: Helps children understand and manage their emotions.
Building Relationships: Teaches how to make friends, share, cooperate, and resolve conflicts.
Self-Esteem and Confidence: Boosts self-esteem and confidence through positive interactions.
Learning and Development: Provides opportunities to learn from others and gain new perspectives.
Problem-Solving Skills: Helps develop problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Adaptability: Teaches how to adapt to various social situations and environments.
When is it a strength:
When is it a strength:
Honesty and Directness:
Autistic children often communicate in a straightforward and honest manner, which can be refreshing and clear.
Deep Connections:
When autistic children form friendships, these relationships can be very deep and meaningful and they often value loyalty.
Unique Perspectives:
Their unique way of seeing the world can bring fresh perspectives to social situations, fostering creativity and new ideas.
Consistency:
Often prefer routines and consistency, which can make autistic children reliable friends who stick to plans and commitments.
Empathy:
While it might be expressed differently, many autistic children have a strong sense of empathy and care deeply about others' feelings.
When it gets tricky:
When it gets tricky:
Not everyone knows exactly what to say or do in social situations. Some children might feel unsure about how to join a group conversation, make friends, or deal with awkward moments. That’s normal, but with practice, it gets easier!
What Helps:
What Helps:
Practice Social Skills:
Role-play different social scenarios to build confidence.
Start Small:
Begin with small interactions, like saying hello or asking a simple question, and gradually build up to longer conversations.
Use Visual Supports:
Social stories, charts, or apps can help understand and navigate social situations.
Join Groups or Clubs:
Participate in activities or clubs that support shared interests
Patience and Understanding:
Can help your child feel more comfortable and accepted.
Social skills improve with practice.
Repetitive and Restricted Behaviours is doing the same things over and over or being really focused on certain things
Repetitive and Restricted Behaviours is doing the same things over and over or being really focused on certain things
Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviours are:
Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviours are:
Repetitive Actions: Like tapping pencil, rocking, or saying the same phrase a lot.
Strong Interests: can be intensely into video games, a sport, or a certain topic and spend a lot of time learning about it or doing it.
Sticking to Routines: some children might prefer things to happen the same way every day, like eating the same breakfast or sitting in the same spot in class.
When it is a Strength:
When it is a Strength:
Focus and Expertise:
Strong interests can lead to deep knowledge and expertise in a particular area.
Consistency:
Sticking to routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be comforting.
Calm and Focus:
Repetitive actions can help children feel calm and focused, especially in stressful situations.
When It Gets Tricky:
When It Gets Tricky:
Adaptability:
These behaviours might make it harder to adapt to new situations or changes in routine.
Social Connections:
It can sometimes be challenging to connect with others who don’t share the same interests or understand the repetitive behaviours.
Flexibility:
Being very focused on routines or interests might limit trying new things or exploring different activities.
What Might Help:
What Might Help:
Gradual Changes:
Introduce changes slowly and gradually to help adapt to new situations.
A balanced approach:
Encourage a balance between strong interests and exploring new activities or experiences.
Supportive Environment:
Create a supportive environment where repetitive behaviours are understood and accepted.
Social Stories:
Use social stories to explain and prepare for changes in routine or new social situations.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Teach techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which can help reduce the need for repetitive actions.
Encouragement and Praise:
Recognise and praise the strengths and positive aspects of their behaviours.
Sensory Processing is how our brain takes in and makes sense of information from our senses.
Sensory Processing is how our brain takes in and makes sense of information from our senses.
Why is Sensory Processing important:
Why is Sensory Processing important:
Our senses relate to sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, and includes balance and knowing where our body is in space.
It helps us understand and interact with our surroundings.
It helps us focus, learn, and behave appropriately.
It helps us move and coordinate our body.
It helps us understand and respond to social cues and interact with others.
When sensory processing works well, it supports our daily activities and overall development.
Impact of sensory overwhelm:
Impact of sensory overwhelm:
Emotional Reactions
Stress: Feeling stressed and uncomfortable.
Anxiety: Feeling anxious or nervous.
Confusion: Feeling confused and unsure.
Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or irritable.
Emotional: Quick changes in mood.
Behavioural Responses
Children might seek quiet spaces or avoid social interactions to escape overwhelming stimuli
They might show signs like clenching fists, fidgeting, or covering their ears
Sensory overload can make it hard for children to concentrate on tasks
Helping Children with Sensory Sensitivities:
Helping Children with Sensory Sensitivities:
At Home:
Create a Calm Space:
Have a quiet area with soft lighting and comfy seating.
Use Sensory Tools:
Use items like weighted blankets and fidget toys.
Keep Routines:
Stick to predictable daily routines.
Out and about:
Plan Ahead:
Explain what to expect and bring sensory tools.
Visit at Quiet Times:
Go during less crowded times.
Find Quiet Areas:
Identify places where the child can take a break.
How we can help...
How we can help...
Parent group: Helping your Autistic Child
Parent group: Helping your Autistic Child
The Fit Like? Family Wellbeing Service have developed a group work programme based on Helping Your Autistic Child: A self-help guide for parents (Helping Your Child) by Ann Ozsivadjian's book.
To find out more - click the link below.
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