Autism is a lifelong and complex condition that affects the child’s brain growth, development and functioning.
Information is processed in a different way and thus their learning patterns, social interaction, communication and reactions to people and their environments can be quite varied. Autism occurs in approximately one in 68 individuals (Centre for Disease Control, USA, 2014). The disability is found to occur 4 times more often in boys than in girls.
Autism Spectrum Disorder results in varied manifestations. Many individuals present with severely impaired functional abilities, whilst others, though affected by the condition, can have an adequate level of functionality and independence in their daily lives.
In May 2013 the new Diagnostic criteria (DSM-V) was released and now refers to an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals are now diagnosed as being either high support needs or low support needs.
All people with autism, regardless of its severity, are affected by impairments in the following:
1. Language and communication
- Difficulties with communicating and understanding language
- Limited or absent speech
- Impaired ability to use speech and communication socially (conversation skills, conflict management, communicating empathy and kindness)
- Limited understanding of facial expressions, tone of voice and body language, and limited ability to interpret speech
2. Social interaction
- Difficulty making and sustaining friendships
- Difficulty appreciating the perspective or ‘point of view’ of others
- May prefer being alone with his or her own interests
- May actively avoid interaction or group situations or may desire interaction and contact with other people but lack the social skills required to do so effectively
- May have little or no awareness of social “codes of conduct” and therefore do or say things that are inappropriate
3. Restricted and repetitive behaviour
They have a strong desire for order, routine and predictability, are resistant to change, often becoming anxious or upset if plans change or something unexpected happens.
They may enjoy engaging in the same activities over and over again without ever becoming bored, a tendency to be very literal and concrete with a limited capacity for abstract thinking. This leads to a weakened ability to problem solve.
Often individuals present with some type of self – stimulatory behaviours (stimming), such as hand flapping, moving fingers in front of eyes, clapping or making sounds. Manyy have an intense interest in a particular topic, object or activity. These are called “special interests”.
4. Sensory Processing
Many people with ASD have difficulty processing everyday sensory information such as sounds, textures, sights and smells. This is referred to as sensory integration difficulties, or sensory sensitivity. It can have a profound effect on a person’s life. People who struggle to deal with all this information are likely to become stressed or anxious, and possibly feel physical pain.
Early and appropriate intervention optimises future outcomes.
About the Author: For more information on Autism please contact Claire Allen- National Education Facilitator at Autism South Africa – [email protected] Or visit our website www.aut2know.co.za
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