The Social Rulebook- Your Guide to ASD

For anybody who knows someone on the Autistic Spectrum Kieran Bond

For all the people who are on the spectrum and struggle with every day life.

The

Social

Rulebook

Contents Introduction

1.

3.

The Triad of impairments

What is ASD?

5.

7. Eye contact

Interview

9.

11. Emotions

Empathy

13.

15. Friendships

Diagnosis

17.

19. Communication Useful reading

21.

Introduction This book is for both people with

Syndrome that I knew why I was

split in two just for this reason,

an autism spectrum disorder (for

different, not to say that it has

depending on whether you

the purposes of this book I will

changed my life, more that it has

think the illustrations should tell

call them people with ASD) but

made everything make more sense.

the story or whether you are

it is also for people who know or

This book is designed for two

comfortable reading text with

are related to anyone who have

different target audiences, people

smaller illustrations. I hope you

a condition on the spectrum. As

with ASD and people who know

enjoy this book and find it useful.

a young person with Asperger’s

someone on the spectrum,

syndrome, I think about the world

the side for people with ASD is

differently to “normal” people

designed to be more readable

(people without ASD) this is hard

and interesting to look at, whilst

for me, as I am only 19 years old

providing both information on

and have yet to go experience

the subject and my opinions on

the world outside of education.

the subject, such as empathy, eye

For all the aspies out there who need to be heard.

contact and friendships.

Throughout my life I have known I am different to everyone else,

Depending on which target

I was bullied in school for being

audience you fall into, you can

different, I seemed to attract

read the book from the side

unwanted attention from people

which represents you to see

who were the wrong kind of

information on topics relating

people to have attention from.

to you, or you can read it from

It wasn’t until 25th march 2014,

the opposite side to see the

just after my 18th birthday, when

world from that perspective, I

I got diagnosed with Asperger’s

have designed the book to be

1.

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder

The main features of ASD

(ASD) is a condition that

typically start to develop

affects social interaction,

in childhood, although the

communication, interests

impact of these may not

and behaviour. It includes

be apparent until there

Asperger syndrome and

is a significant change in

childhood autism.

the person’s life, such as a

Some people also use the

There is no ‘cure’ for

term autism spectrum

ASD, but a wide range of

condition or ‘neuro-

treatments – including

diverse’ (as opposed to

education and behaviour

people without autism

support – can help people

being ‘neuro-typical’).

with the condition.

2.

change of school.

In the UK, it’s estimated that about one in every 100 people have ASD.

Symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders If your child has an ASD, he or she will have symptoms that affect the way he or she communicates.

Their social skills, interests and behaviour may also be affected. How your You may notice some of the symptoms and behaviour of ASDs when your child is very young. However, sometimes symptoms don’t become obvious until your child experiences new social settings, such as going to school.

child is affected can vary widely. Some children are very mildly affected and need little special support, whereas other children are severely affected and need a lifetime of special support.

3.

The Triad of Impairments People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders have difficulties in three main areas within their lives; this is referred to as the 'triad of impairments' They vary from one person to another but they seem to be common.

Language & communication »» Difficulty processing and retaining verbal information Difficulty understanding: »» Jokes & sarcasm »» Social use of language »» Literal interpretation »» Body language, facial expressions

4.

and gestures

Flexibility of thought (imagination) Difficulties with: »» Coping with changes in routine »» Empathy »» Generalisation

Social and emotional Difficulties with: »» Friendships »» Managing unstructured parts of the day »» Working co-operatively

5.

Eye contact

6.

What is eye contact?

First hand account

There’s so much more to eye

Eye contact is really, really tough for

Over the years I’ve learned to

contact than just looking at

me. It’s incredibly uncomfortable and

manage by focusing almost

someone’s eyes.

unsettling, and at times even painful.

solely on someone’s mouth

Besides being tools for basic

You know how they say that the eyes

as they talk, with a few quick

survival, our faces are designed

are a window to the soul? Allowing

glances at the eyes so I don’t

for reciprocal communication

someone to meet my gaze really

appear rude. As a result I’ve

- for both giving and receiving

does feels like letting them inside me.

become an excellent lip reader

information so that we can

And since I want to be the gatekeeper

share in a mutually understood

of that, being forced to make eye

message with others. Eye contact

contact leaves me feeling extremely

helps us to do that in a number

exposed and vulnerable.

of different ways, like monitoring

As a young boy I would cope

the interest and reaction of the

with that feeling by looking

other person when we speak

away from faces and down

and letting them know that we’re

at the ground, which led to

paying attention when it’s our

the assumption that I was

turn to listen.

either guilty, shy or lacking in confidence. The solution to all of these was always the same - to ‘look people in the eye’ which left me feeling even less confident and sociable.

7.

Understanding Emotions

8.

Emotions in Autism Children with autism spectrum

Throughout childhood and

disorder (ASD) often find it

adolescence, most children

hard to recognise and control

continue building empathy,

emotions. But their skills in the

self-regulation and skills in

area of emotional development

recognizing and responding

can be improved, which in turn

to other people’s feelings. By

can help them understand and

adulthood, people are usually

respond more appropriately to

able to quickly recognise subtle

other people.

emotional expressions. From

Humans have six basic emotions

around two months, most babies

– happiness, surprise, sadness,

will laugh and show signs of

anger, fear and disgust. We

fear. By 12 months, a typically

also experience more complex

developing baby can read your

feelings such as embarrassment,

face to get an understanding

shame, pride, guilt, envy, joy,

of what you’re feeling. Most

trust, interest, contempt and

toddlers and young children start

anticipation.

to use words to express feelings

9.

Empathy

What Is Empathy?

Contemporary researchers often differentiate between two types of empathy: “Affective empathy” refers to the sensations and feelings we get in response to others’ emotions; this can include mirroring what that person is feeling, or just feeling stressed when we detect another’s fear or anxiety. “Cognitive empathy,” sometimes called “perspective taking,” refers to our ability to identify and

The term “empathy” is used

understand other peoples’

to describe a wide range

emotions. Studies suggest

of experiences. Emotion

that people with autism

researchers generally define

spectrum disorders have a

empathy as the ability to

hard time empathizing.

sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else

10.

might be thinking or feeling.

Empathy has been associated with two different pathways in the brain, and scientists have speculated that some aspects of empathy can be traced to mirror neurons, cells in the brain that fire when we observe someone else perform an action in much the same way that they would fire if we performed that action ourselves. Research has also uncovered evidence of a genetic basis to empathy, though studies suggest that people can enhance (or restrict) their natural empathic abilities.

Empathy seems to have

Having empathy doesn’t

deep roots in our brains

necessarily mean we’ll want to

and bodies, and in our

help someone in need, though

evolutionary history.

it’s often a vital first step toward

Elementary forms of

compassionate action.

empathy have been observed in our primate relatives, in dogs, and even in rats.

11.

Interview KB: When were you diagnosed

KB: Did you find the diagnosis

KB: In your opinion, what is the

and how old were you?

changed the way you look at life

thing you find hardest?

MR: I’m not exactly sure but I was

in any way?

MR: I find sympathising with

either 13, or I’d just turned 14

MR: Strangely, no; I always felt

people really hard, recently a

a bit weird compared to other

close friend of mine's nan died

KB: What were you ‘officially’

people and knowing that I’m not

and they were really sad (as

diagnosed with?

just a freak or weirdo and that

you'd expect) and they told

MR: My doctor thought I had

something was actually wrong

me (because I knew their nan

ADD way before then but I

with me probably made me

well) and I didn't feel sad at all...

was eventually diagnosed

more comfortable with me being

I understood what was going

with Asperger’s (I don’t know

the way that I am. It made me

on, I knew I’d never see her

if I actually have ADD or what)

realise that there was an actual

again (don’t get me wrong I

but since then I’ve also been

reason for my paranoia and

wasn't happy she died) but I just

diagnosed as bipolar and with

mood swings and that I wasn’t

didn't feel sad at all... it's hard

schizoaffective disorder

just weird

to explain. I guess it's because I don’t socialise much but I

“

never really feel an emotional connection to people

Knowing that I’m not just a freak or a weirdo and that something was actually wrong with me made me more comfortable with everything

12.

”

KB: How do you cope with

KB: How does it affect you

everything you find hard?

personally?

MR: I normally cope by not

MR: Well I don’t know if it's just

really paying attention to it...

my personality or if it's being

the paranoia and occasional

influenced by something else

"hallucinations" can be difficult

but I’m always EXTREMELY

to ignore though, I feel like I cope

uncomfortable around people

pretty well all things considered

that I don’t know to the point of

though, watching YouTube

beginning to dislike them when

videos or playing a game I know

they haven’t done anything. I

well normally helps me cope.

feel like this is mostly due to the aforementioned schizoaffective

KB: What have you found hardest

disorder. Being a little different

about explaining your condition to

in the head has made it so

people?

there are very few people that

MR: Honestly I normally don’t

I feel comfortable around and

have to explain it to people, most

so being stuck inside all the

of my close friends know already

time (because of other health

and I don't really talk to new

problems) doesn't really bother

people, as I mentioned earlier I

me all too much... unlike most

don't really like new people so I

people I seem to be ok without

never have to tell them anything

socialising much.

about me I’ve had the same group of friends for years.

13.

Friendships

Children on the autistic spectrum often can focus on the ‘detail’ within communication but miss the overall ‘plot’. This can make them the target of bullying at school due to their unusual behavior, language, interests and tendency to tell others what to do. Their impaired ability to perceive and respond in socially expected ways to nonverbal cues can lead to conflict or being ignored by others. Children with Asperger’s syndrome may be extremely literal and may have difficulty interpreting and responding to sarcasm or banter.

A child or teen with Asperger’s syndrome is often puzzled by this mistreatment, unaware of what has been done incorrectly.

14.

Children on the autism spectrum, particularly the milder end, often want to be social, but have trouble making friends. This can lead to later withdrawal and antisocial behavior, especially in adolescence. At this stage of life especially, they risk being drawn into unsuitable and inappropriate friendships and social groups. Learning how to make appropriate friendships can minimize these problems, reduce bullying and lead to better relationships with people who aren’t on the autism spectrum. The sooner these skills are learned, the better.

Non-autistic children usually learn all these social skills in an unconscious and intuitive way, by observing and interacting with everyone around them.

15.

Diagnosis Diagnosis of Personal Autistic Spectrum experience with disorders diagnosis Getting a diagnosis of autism

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s

and sitting through a 2 hour

(including Asperger syndrome)

syndrome on 25th March 2014,

question and answer session

can be a really positive thing. A

just after my 18th birthday, this

where the clinical Psychologist

lot of people say their diagnosis

officially made me diagnosed as

asked my mum & I questions

has helped them to understand

an adult, which shows how much

about how I was as a child, what I

why they have difficulties with

the school system has failed me,

was like making friends and what

some things and why they are

normally a child would be picked

I struggle with, Etc.

especially good at some things.

up as showing signs of ASD through nursery and primary

I think the most important thing

Having a diagnosis also means

school. This never happened for

to remember is that a diagnosis

you can get easier access to

me, despite the fact I know that

can be very useful for getting

support and benefits. However,

I showed all the signs of it at the

support such as DSA (disabled

the process of getting a

time.

student’s allowance) and getting

diagnosis can be difficult for adults.

16.

support in education authorities Diagnosis for me was the easiest

such as schools and colleges.

part, I was diagnosed by The

They give you an extensive

Cambridge Lifespan Asperger

report which these organizations

Syndrome Service (CLASS) clinic,

will need to help provide you with

they were very nice and I got the

the support you need.

diagnosis there and then after filling in an AAA questionnaire

17.

Communication Communication happens when one person sends a message to another person either verbally or non-verbally. Interaction happens when two people, for example, an adult and a child, respond to one another - a twoway communication.

Most children with an ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) will have difficulty interacting with others. This is because in order to be successful at interaction the child needs to respond to others when they are approached by them or be able to initiate interactions. Although many children with an ASD are able to do this when they want something, they tend not to use interaction to show people things or to be sociable.

It is important to remember that communication and interaction do not have to involve the use of language and speech. Many children with an ASD are delayed in their use of language and shy away from using speech.

Therefore, other methods of communication need to be established before speech and language will follow.

The way in which the child communicates needs to be observed in order to develop their communicative strengths and needs. For example, if the child is not using any sound or speech, rather then communicating with them through words, try using gesture. The child with an ASD may use some of the following to communicate with others: crying, taking the adults hand to the object they desire, looking at the object they desire, reaching, using pictures and echolalia.

Echolalia is the repetition of other people’s words and is a common feature of the child with an ASD. Initially when the child uses echolalia it is likely that they are repeating words that they do not understand and are doing so with no communicative intent.

However, echolalia is a good sign as it shows that the child’s communication is developing - in time, the child will begin to use the repeated words and phrases to communicate something significant. For example, the child may memorise the words that were said to them when they were asked if they would like a drink, and use them later, in a different situation, to ask a question of their own.

There are two main different types of communication: Pre-intentional Communication is when the child says or does things without intending them to affect those around them. This type of communication can be used by the child to calm themselves, focus themselves or as a reaction to an upsetting/fun experience.

Intentional Communication is when the child says or does things with the purpose of sending a message to another person. This type of communication can be used to protest about what they are being asked to do and to make requests.

Intentional communication is easier for the child once they have learnt that their actions have an effect on other people - the move from pre-intentional communication to intentional communication is a big step for the child with an ASD.

19.

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's Author: John Elder Robison

The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger's Author:

Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism Author: Temple Grandin

Freaks, Geeks and Aspergers Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence Author:

Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome

Author:

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

Temple Grandin

Author:

Ellen Notbohm

Luke Jackson

liane Holliday Willey

20.

www.autism.org.uk

Autism speaks is an autism charity based in

www.autismspeaks.org

21.

The national autistic society is the official

America, it is basically the national autistic

Useful reading charity representing autism in the UK. They society for America.

Will Hadcroft

Author:

The Feeling's Unmutual: Growing Up with Asperger Syndrome (Undiagnosed)

Paul Dickinson & Liz Hannah

Author

It can get better - Dealing with common behaviour problems in young children with autism

provide a lot of useful resources for both carers and people with autism/ASD.

Sensory Strategies Practical ways to help children and young people with autism learn and achieve Author Corinna Laurie

Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed: Growing Up With Undiagnosed Autism Author: Jeannie Davide-Rivera

using pictures and echolalia.

their use of language and

the object they desire, reaching,

with an ASD are delayed in

object they desire, looking at

and speech. Many children

taking the adults hand to the

involve the use of language

communicate with others: crying,

interaction do not have to

use some of the following to

that communication and

The child with an ASD may

It is important to remember

shy away from using speech.

Initially when the child uses

and language will follow.

feature of the child with an ASD.

established before speech

people’s words and is a common

communication need to be

Echolalia is the repetition of other

Therefore, other methods of

echolalia it is likely that they are

with no communicative intent.

be observed in order to

not understand and are doing so

communicates needs to

repeating words that they do

The way in which the child

develop their communicative strengths and needs. For example, if the child is not using any sound or speech, rather then communicating with them through words, try using gesture.

19.

Communication Communication happens when one person sends a message to another person either verbally or non-verbally. Interaction happens when two people, for example, an adult and a child, respond to one another - a twoway communication.

Most children with an ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) will have difficulty interacting with others. This is because in order to be successful at interaction the child needs to respond to others when they are approached by them or be able to initiate interactions. Although many children with an ASD are able to do this when they want something, they tend not to use interaction to show people things or to be sociable.

18.

Children on the autistic spectrum often can focus on the ‘detail’ within communication but miss the overall ‘plot’. This can make them the target of bullying at school due to their unusual behavior, language, interests and tendency to tell others what to do. Their impaired ability to perceive and respond in socially expected ways to nonverbal cues can lead to conflict or being ignored by others.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome may be extremely literal and may have difficulty interpreting and responding to sarcasm or banter.

A child or teen with Asperger’s syndrome is often puzzled by this mistreatment, unaware of what has been done incorrectly.

17.

Friendships My views

want you to.

meeting new people, as this

do just because your “friends”

for work or for university and

something you don’t want to

doing things such as interviews

are friends with, never do

to my age, as you need to start

be careful about who you

particularly hard when you get

who has these problems to

to say or when to say it. This is

would recommend to anyone

they often do not know what

with arguments and all sorts. I

has a spectrum disorder, as

many problems in the past

common with everyone who

nature, and this has lead to

of all, relationships, this is

advantage of my good

keeping friendships, and most

with people who take

struggle with is making and

Often I have friendships

One of the biggest things I

is what is socially acceptable, which I find very unnerving.

Friendships are hard for me as I cant tell basic things such as when someone is getting annoyed with me or when they are happy, sad etc.

16.

“ KB: In your opinion, what is the

Don’t worry that you’re different because it doesn’t mean you’re worse than other people. Different is good.

”

thing you find hardest?

TH: Definitely socialising, dealing with things such as making a doctors appointment, its still nerve racking when it shouldn’t be, it’s hard to describe really, its something that everyone else does. Also, it comes under socializing really, but I find it difficult to get along with people my own age, so I tend to be friends with people either younger or older than me.

15.

Interview

but it looks at things differently.

same when they changed the

differently, it still works the same

doctors said was ADHD and the

around 13 years old.

in our head, but its wired

paid any attention to what the

TH: When I was in Year 9 so I was

We all have the same hardware

TH: Not really, I never really

and how old were you?

is not necessarily true.

life in any way?

KB: When were you diagnosed

communicate properly and that

changed the way you look at

Asperger’s with not being able to

KB: Did you find the diagnosis

condition everyday.

“normal”

perspective to live with the

what most people would class as

it is like from another person’s

such as video games, beyond

people I know, to find out what

obsessive over particular things,

just like me and a lot of other

TH: I have OCD, I get very

has asperger’s syndrome

personally?

from college, Tyler Hilton, who

KB: How does it affect you

I interviewed one of my friends

KB: What were you ‘officially’ diagnosed with?

TH: Initially diagnosed with

KB: What have you found hardest about explaining your condition to people?

TH: A lot of people, if they do know what Asperger’s is, they don’t see you as different, people associate people with

diagnosis to Asperger’s, I just continued as I was.

to a child on the autistic spectrum?

Asperger’s when I was in year 9

KB: What advice would you give

ADHD- Re-Diagnosed with

TH: Don’t worry that you’re different because it doesn’t mean you’re worse than other people. Different is good.

14.

Empathy has been associated with two different pathways in the brain, and scientists have speculated that some aspects of empathy can be traced to mirror neurons, cells in the brain that fire when we observe someone else perform an action in much the same way that they would fire if we performed that action ourselves. Research has also uncovered evidence of a genetic basis to empathy, though studies suggest that people can enhance (or restrict) their natural empathic abilities.

Having empathy doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll want to help someone in need, though it’s often a vital first step toward compassionate action.

Empathy seems to have deep roots in our brains and bodies, and in our evolutionary history.

Elementary forms of empathy have been observed in our primate relatives, in dogs, and even in rats.

13.

13.

Empathy

Contemporary researchers often differentiate between two types of empathy: “Affective empathy” refers to the sensations and feelings we get in response to others’ emotions; this can include mirroring what that person is feeling, or just feeling stressed when we detect another’s fear or anxiety. “Cognitive empathy,” sometimes called “perspective taking,” refers to our ability to identify and understand other peoples’ emotions. Studies

What Is Empathy?

The term “empathy” is used to describe a wide range

suggest that people with autism spectrum disorders have a hard time empathizing.

of experiences. Emotion researchers generally define empathy as the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else

12.

might be thinking or feeling.

The ability to understand and express these emotions starts developing from birth. From around two months, most babies

We also experience more complex feelings such as embarrassment, shame, pride, guilt, envy, joy, trust, interest, contempt and anticipation.

will laugh and show signs of fear.

By 12 months, a typically developing baby can read your face to get an understanding of what you’re feeling. Most toddlers and young children start to use words to express feelings – although you might see a tantrum or two when their feelings get too big for their words!

Humans have four basic emotions – happiness, surprise, anger and sadness.

11.

Understanding Emotions

Throughout childhood and adolescence, most children continue building empathy, self-regulation and skills in recognizing and responding to other people’s feelings. By adulthood, people are usually able to quickly recognise subtle emotional expressions.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often find it hard to recognise and control emotions.

But their skills in the area of emotional development can be improved, which in turn can help them understand and respond more appropriately to other people.

10.

KB: How does it affect you and your family?

CP: It's the toughest thing to ever go through. We are limited to what we can do outside of routine, barely get any sleep, Jayden is a very challenging young man but worth every minute. He has violent outbursts, which have led to bruises, cuts, etc. all over my body. It is very hard but at the same time he has the funniest personality without trying.

Everything is routine based and means we cannot enjoy family holidays; days out are a real struggle and rare occasion. We don't get a break or anything and that is hard.

9.

Interview I interviewed one of my friends, Chantelle Penfold, who is the mother of an autistic child, to find out what it is like to live with and look after a child with autism everyday.

KB: When was your child diagnosed and how old were they?

CP: Age 2 in 2011, he was nearly 3 at the time.

behind the condition.

and mentally.

I without knowing the truth

can be a great help physically

people judge my child and

do this! Local support networks

people ask me than have

You are a true warrior and can

to explain his condition and

help and support if you need it.

CP: Nothing. I much prefer

CP: Don't be afraid to ask for

KB: What have you found hardest about explaining the condition to people?

KB: What advice would you give to another parent of a child on the autistic spectrum?

KB: In your opinion, what is the thing you find hardest?

CP: Other people's negative

KB: What were they ‘officially’ diagnosed with?

CP: Asperger’s syndrome, sensory processing disorder and delayed development.

KB: What coping strategies have you found useful?

CP: Sensory corner, reward tokens in sonic, as it's his obsession, and a routine

“

reactions and opinions of Jayden having a breakdown in public and punching me, I'm trying to calm and restrain him. Other people commenting and being cruel is the last thing you need; some people judge without knowledge.

Don't be afraid to ask for help and support if you need it. You are a true warrior and can do this!

”

8.

First hand account

Over the years I’ve learned to

to be the gatekeeper of that,

confident and sociable.

them inside me. And since I want

which left me feeling even less

gaze really does feels like letting

- to ‘look people in the eye’ -

Allowing someone to meet my

of these was always the same

eyes are a window to the soul?

confidence. The solution to all

know how they say that the

either guilty, shy or lacking in

and at times even painful. You

the assumption that I was

uncomfortable and unsettling,

at the ground, which led to

tough for me. It’s incredibly

away from faces and down

Eye contact is really, really

manage by focusing almost solely on someone’s mouth as they talk, with a few quick glances at the eyes so I don’t appear rude. As a result I’ve become an excellent lip reader.

being forced to make eye contact leaves me feeling extremely exposed and vulnerable.

As a young boy I would cope with that feeling by looking

7.

Eye contact What is eye contact?

knowing when and how to initiate

message with others. Eye contact

made, but how it’s being used -

share in a mutually understood

whether eye contact is being

information so that we can

turn to listen. So it’s not just about

- for both giving and receiving

paying attention when it’s our

for reciprocal communication

and letting them know that we’re

survival, our faces are designed

other person when we speak

Besides being tools for basic

the interest and reaction of the

someone’s eyes.

of different ways, like monitoring

contact than just looking at

helps us to do that in a number

There’s so much more to eye

So It’s not just about whether eye contact is being made, but how it’s being used - knowing when and how to initiate it, how long to maintain it, when and how to disengage, understanding the social rules that govern all of these and then using that knowledge to control social interactions. In other words, an overly intense and unrelenting gaze is just as significant as no eye contact at all, and being able to use eye contact doesn’t mean that a person isn’t autistic.

6.

Flexibility of thought (imagination) Difficulties with: »» Coping with changes in routine »» Empathy »» Generalisation

Social and emotional Difficulties with: »» Friendships »» Working co-operatively

5.

The Triad of Impairments People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders have difficulties in three main areas within their lives; this is referred to as the 'triad of impairments' They vary from one person to another but they seem to be common.

Language & communication Difficulty processing and retaining verbal information Difficulty understanding: »» Jokes & sarcasm »» Social use of language »» Literal interpretation »» Body language »» facial expressions

4.

Symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders If your child has an ASD, he or she will have symptoms that affect the way he or she communicates.

Their social skills, interests and behaviour may also be affected. How your You may notice some of the symptoms and behaviour of ASDs when your child is very young. However, sometimes symptoms don’t become obvious until your child experiences new social settings,

child is affected can vary widely. Some children are very mildly affected and need little special support, whereas other children are severely affected and need a lifetime of special support.

3.

such as going to school.

What is ASD?

the person’s life, such as a

childhood autism.

is a significant change in

Asperger syndrome and

be apparent until there

and behaviour. It includes

impact of these may not

communication, interests

in childhood, although the

affects social interaction,

typically start to develop

(ASD) is a condition that

The main features of ASD

Autism spectrum disorder

with the condition.

being ‘neuro-typical’).

support – can help people

people without autism

education and behaviour

diverse’ (as opposed to

treatments – including

condition or ‘neuro-

ASD, but a wide range of

term autism spectrum

There is no ‘cure’ for

Some people also use the

change of school.

In the UK, it’s estimated that about one in every 100 people have ASD.

2.

Introduction

the story or whether you are

it is also for people who know or

think the illustrations should tell

made everything make more sense.

call them people with ASD) but

changed my life, more that it has

the purposes of this book I will

different, not to say that it has

an autism spectrum disorder (for

Syndrome that I knew why I was

This book is for both people with

the subject and my opinions on

the world outside of education.

providing both information on

and have yet to go experience

and interesting to look at, whilst

for me, as I am only 19 years old

designed to be more readable

(people without ASD) this is hard

the side for people with ASD is

differently to “normal” people

know someone on the spectrum,

syndrome, I think about the world

people with ASD and people who

a young person with Asperger’s

different target audiences,

a condition on the spectrum. As

This book is designed for two

are related to anyone who have

have designed the book to be split in two just for this reason, depending on whether you

comfortable reading text with smaller illustrations. I hope you enjoy this book and find it useful.

For all the aspies out there who need to be heard.

the subject, such as empathy, eye Throughout my life I have known

contact and friendships.

I am different to everyone else,

world from that perspective, I

I got diagnosed with Asperger’s

the opposite side to see the

just after my 18th birthday, when

to you, or you can read it from

It wasn’t until 25th march 2014,

information on topics relating

people to have attention from.

which represents you to see

who were the wrong kind of

read the book from the side

unwanted attention from people

audience you fall into, you can

different, I seemed to attract

Depending on which target

I was bullied in school for being

1.

Contents 1.

Introduction

13.

Empathy

3.

What is ASD?

15.

Interview 2

5.

Triad of impairments

17.

Friendships

7.

Eye contact

19.

Communication

21.

Useful reading

9.

Interview

11.

Emotions

The

Social

Rulebook

For all the people who are on the spectrum and struggle with every day life.

For anybody on the Autistic Spectrum Kieran Bond