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World Autism Day Did you know the 2
nd
April is World Autism Day?
2
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April
Our Little Brochure, to teach you and your friends a little bit about autism.
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What Is Autism? Autism is a lifelong communication disorder which is sometimes referred to as an ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD). While people with Autism share three main areas of difficulty, their condition will impact on them in very different ways - hence the term 'spectrum'. Who is impacted by autism? There are over half a million people in the UK with autism, which is around 1in 100 people. The exact cause of autism is still unknown, although research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors which contribute to changes .However, Autism is not caused by a person's social circumstances or upbringing and is not the fault of the individual. What are the main characteristics of Autism? The three main characteristics of Autism Are: • Difficulty with social communication • Difficulty with social interaction • Difficulty with social imagination People with Autism often have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal language, with a very literal understanding of language. They can take things very literally and can get confused by: • Facial expressions or tone of voice • Common phrases and sayings such as ‘raining cats and dogs’ Some people with autism also may not speak, or have fairly limited speech; Others will have good language skills, but they may have difficulty understanding the nature of conversations, perhaps repeating what someone has said to them (Echolalia). People with autism often have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions and feelings, making it difficult for them to fit in socially.
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Sometimes someone with Autism may… • Stand too close to another person • Appear to be insensitive • Prefer to spend time alone • Not seek comfort from other people • Appear to behave 'strangely' or inappropriately • Find it hard to form friendships Lot’s of people with Autism have difficulty with social imagination, which allows us to understand and predict other people's behavior, or to try out experiences outside our immediate daily routine. Difficulties with social imagination means that people with Autism find it hard to: • Understand and interpret other people's thoughts & feelings • Predict what will happen next • Understand the concept of danger • Engage in imaginative activities • Cope in new or unfamiliar situations This doesn’t mean, however that someone with Autism cannot be creative, many people with Autism are very creative and are known for being highly skilled musicians, artists or writers.
Some things that can help • Don’t expect eye contact when you are having a conversation. • Keep language very specific with one clear instruction at a time. • In a conversation allow thinking time to process what you have said • Keep background noise to a minimum • Sometimes the person with autism can be overwhelmed with the sensory things around them and they really just need to leave and be on their own for a little while.
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Who We Are Autism & ADHD offers support, information and guidance to anyone who’s life is impacted by hidden disabilities, specialising in Autism, ADHD & Mental Health Conditions. We offer a life span service to families and individuals who have, or are seeking, a formal diagnosis. We take an holistic approach to support by creating an open and supportive relationship to make sure we find the best solution. We also work with all professionals providing CPD in the form of trainings, workshops and peer mentoring. An innovative social skills programme is also on offer which can be delivered in any group setting across all age groups. If you’d like a confidential discussion about how we can support you or someone you know please call us on: 01473 382428 Info@AutismAndADHD.org
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