Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is not an illness, it is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how people communicate and interact with society. One in 100 people are on the autistic spectrum and there are 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. (National Autistic Society).

Autism affects people in different ways. Like you and I, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and this is no different from people who have an autistic disorder. Autistic people have varying and complex needs from 24-hour support and care to just clearer communication, time to process information, and longer to complete tasks.

There are six key or distinctive difficulties that are required for you to be diagnosed with this condition.

  1. Social communication and social interaction challenges
  2. Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
  3. Being over/under sensitive to light, sound, taste and touch
  4. Extreme anxiety
  5. Meltdowns and shutdowns
  6. Highly focused interest of hobbies
Whilst there are several types of disorders, one of the more common autistic disorders in adults is Asperger Syndrome.
This type of syndrome is name after an Austrian Paediatrician Hans Asperger, who in 1944 found that children struggled to form friendships, had difficulties understanding gestures or feelings, and engaging in conversations with others. The modern conception of Asperger syndrome came into existence in the 1980s with its first diagnosis in the 1990s. Treatment usually consists of:
 

  1. Medication
  2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  3. Speech & Language
  4. Occupation Therapy
People with learning disabilities especially those with no verbal communication often use sign language known as Makaton and rebus cards and symbols. This also enables them to be more independent.

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