Autism
Seeing the world from a different
angle
Introduction
Autism is a spectrum disorder often referred to as ASD (autism spectrum
disorder). This means that even though some traits or habits are the same, will
the autism affect each individual different than the other. Because of this are
some people with autism able to live relatively independent lives, while others
need a lifetime of specialist support.
Each child with an ASD will have their own pattern. Sometimes a child's
development is delayed from birth, while other times the child develops
normally until they suddenly lose for example social or language skills. Others
again will have a normal development until they have enough language to
demonstrate some thoughts and preoccupations. For some children can the lack of
language be the major symptom, while for others unusual behaviours can be the
dominant factor.
In general we can say that people with autism often experience over
sensitivity or under sensitivity to things others find normal. This can be
sounds, touches, tastes, smells, light or colours. People with autism have
described that the world to them is a mass of many people, places and events,
and they have trouble to make a sense of it all which can cause them anxiety. They
can also have trouble understanding and relating to other people, and to take
part in social activities either with friends, family or other people.
Types
As said earlier, autism is a spectrum disorder. According to the CDC (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's) the three main types of Autism spectrum
disorder are:
- Asperger's syndrome
- Pervasive developmental disorder
- and Autistic disorder
Symptoms
These are some symptoms of Autism at early age:
6 months - No big smiles or other joyful expressions.
9 months - No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial
expressions.
12 months - No babbling, no back-and-forth gestures (for example
pointing, showing, reaching or waving).
16 months - No words being said.
24 months - No meaningful two-word phrases (this does not including
imitating or repeating)
Any age - any loss of speech, babbling or social skills.
People with autism often have three main areas of difficulty:
- difficulty with social communication
For example reading another person body language, or understand their
facial expressions or tone of voice. It can also be difficult for them to
understand jokes and sarcasm.
- difficulty with social interaction
·
For example can people with autism have trouble recognising and/or
understanding other people's emotions and feelings, and express their own. This
makes it difficult for them when socialising with other people. They might
appear insensitive because they are not able to recognise what someone else is
feeling, and therefore might prefer to spend time alone. They can also
sometimes behave inappropriately because it is not always easy for them to
express feelings, emotions or needs like other people would. This can make
finding friends hard for people with autism since some may want to make
friends, but are not able to express their thoughts.
- difficulty with social imagination
·
For example it can be hard for autistic people to interpret other
people's thoughts, feelings and actions, and to predict what could happen next.
They can struggle with understanding the concept of danger. And they can have
troubles with engage in imaginative play and activities.
Sources
(http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/introduction/what-is-autism.aspx) (http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders)