Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological developmental disorder. Each individual is different and are affected by it in different ways. It can be understood as individuals having problems with the way they communicate (verbal & non-verbal), their social interactions and social cues, sensory and repetitive behaviours. It is estimated that one in one hundred 1:100 Australians are affected and it being four times higher in boys than girls.
Early intervention allows for a better life. Individuals, family and friends have a better understanding as to why someone behaves and interacts the way they do. Diagnosis can help getting the support services available, education to help grow, and understand the individual’s expectations in their life journey.
Understanding Autism briefly…
Communication – Usually individuals under the Autism Spectrum have a monotone voice and when speaking may not have facial expressions that match their tone of voice. They usually do not like eye contact and will tend to avoid it when communicate with others. They usually have difficulty reading others body language, facial expressions and picking up on feelings. During conversation they also take what has been said literally, for example, when referring to someone to get their act together by saying “pull your socks up”, someone with Autism will literally pull their socks up.
2. Social Interactions – Individuals under the spectrum may lack the ability to read social cues because of the inability to read facial expressions, body language and tone of voice. This consequently creates lack of interest in trying to interact with other individuals. Children in particular, lack interest in what other children their age are doing and when participating in group activities may end up in fights or become excluded from other children. Autism spectrum kids want to be in control of how the game is run. They have the need to follow rules and when others do not it causes a great deal of stress for them. For this reason they enjoy their own company and tend to do things on their own.
3. Sensory – There is a heightened sensitivity to sensory when it comes to either, smell, touch, visual, taste or hearing. Severe reaction and meltdowns can occur and it is something they cannot control. Some sensory examples are noisy class rooms (hearing), not being able to touch a type of metal, plastic or material (touch), textures of certain food (taste), smell of flowers, grass, perfumes (smell) or bright rooms, different colour lighting (visual).
4. Persistent Behaviours – As mentioned earlier, individuals enjoy their own company and have their own interests. Someone with under the spectrum enjoy repetitive routine and organisation. As they like control doing something over and over again means they are in control. They have a specific interest and gain unique knowledge about it. They enjoy talking about their interest and can explain everything about it being very specific in detail. When they get anxious some coping strategies can either be flapping their hands clicking their fingers, retaliating with hitting themselves, others or rocking back and forward.
5. Meltdowns – This can be triggered from anxiety that an individual may experience. Understanding the triggers may prevent or help someone before they have the meltdown. The use of weighted blankets, vests, jackets, dark, quiet room, ear muffs or earphones that cover the ears allow for some comfort before it escalates. Acknowledging the person is agitated and offering them time to themselves to calm down. Other options is allowing to go for a walk, listen to music or having sensory objects such as stress balls, spinner’s finger gadgets. Being calm and using de-escalation techniques works better than anger and force, so be patient.
Living with someone under the Autism Spectrum is very challenging, however, understanding it makes life easier for them and everyone else. This is only a brief guide and for further information please visit your family doctor.