Autism Autism

A Brief ntroduction to Autism A Brief ntroduction to Autism

A.C.Baker Deputy Director Disability A.C.Baker Deputy Director Disability
October 2006 October 2006
Autism Your Definition !! Autism Your Definition !!
Using the sheet of paper supplies write Using the sheet of paper supplies write
down a simple definition of autism. down a simple definition of autism.
dentify at least three traits you feel a dentify at least three traits you feel a
person with ASD may display. person with ASD may display.
dentify at least three strategies you feel dentify at least three strategies you feel
you may have to implement to ensure you may have to implement to ensure
success in your classroom. success in your classroom.
Finally keep your sheet and check your Finally keep your sheet and check your
personal data at the end of the session. personal data at the end of the session.
hat s Autism ? hat s Autism ?
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition
that affects how the brain functions. t affects that affects how the brain functions. t affects
how a person communicates with, and relates how a person communicates with, and relates
to, other people. t also affects how they make to, other people. t also affects how they make
sense of the world around them. sense of the world around them.
A person who has autism is said to have ASD. A person who has autism is said to have ASD.
This is because the symptoms of autism can This is because the symptoms of autism can
vary from person to person, and can range from vary from person to person, and can range from
mild to very severe. Asperger's syndrome is an mild to very severe. Asperger's syndrome is an
ASD, on the mild end of the spectrum. ASD, on the mild end of the spectrum.
What is autism? What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person
communicates and relates to people around them. Children and adults with communicates and relates to people around them. Children and adults with
autism have difficulties with everyday social interaction. Their ability to autism have difficulties with everyday social interaction. Their ability to
develop friendships is generally limited as is their capacity to understand develop friendships is generally limited as is their capacity to understand
other people's emotional expression. other people's emotional expression.
People with autism can often have accompanying learning disabilities but People with autism can often have accompanying learning disabilities but
everyone with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world. everyone with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world.
There is also a condition called Asperger syndrome, which is a form of There is also a condition called Asperger syndrome, which is a form of
autism used to describe people who are usually at the higher functioning autism used to describe people who are usually at the higher functioning
end of the autistic spectrum. end of the autistic spectrum.
"Reality to an autistic person is a confusing, interacting mass of events, "Reality to an autistic person is a confusing, interacting mass of events,
people, places, sounds and sights. There seems to be no clear boundaries, people, places, sounds and sights. There seems to be no clear boundaries,
order or meaning to anything. A large part of my life is spent just trying to order or meaning to anything. A large part of my life is spent just trying to
work out the pattern behind everything." work out the pattern behind everything."
- - A person with autism A person with autism
Symptoms Symptoms
The first symptoms of ASD usually appear when The first symptoms of ASD usually appear when
the person is under two years old, and last the person is under two years old, and last
throughout life. Some people who have autism throughout life. Some people who have autism
also have a learning difficulty. This is when they also have a learning difficulty. This is when they
find it harder than most people to learn new find it harder than most people to learn new
skills. skills.
Symptoms of ASD can be divided into three Symptoms of ASD can be divided into three
main groups. They are: main groups. They are:
social interaction, social interaction,
communication, and communication, and
routine and repetitive behaviour. routine and repetitive behaviour.
$4.iaI intera.ti4n $4.iaI intera.ti4n Issues Issues
A child who has ASD may find it hard to get on A child who has ASD may find it hard to get on
with other people. They may: with other people. They may:
seem distant or detached, seem distant or detached,
have little or no interest in other people, and find have little or no interest in other people, and find
it difficult make friends, it difficult make friends,
not seek affection in the usual way, or resist not seek affection in the usual way, or resist
physical contact such as kissing and cuddling, physical contact such as kissing and cuddling,
find it difficult to make eye contact with other find it difficult to make eye contact with other
people, people,
not understand other peoples emotions, and not understand other peoples emotions, and
prefer to spend time alone. prefer to spend time alone.
C4mmuni.ati4n Issues C4mmuni.ati4n Issues
A child who has ASD may develop speech later than other children, A child who has ASD may develop speech later than other children,
or never learn to speak. hen their speech does develop, the or never learn to speak. hen their speech does develop, the
language and choice of words they use may be wrong. language and choice of words they use may be wrong.
A child with ASD may also: A child with ASD may also:
not be able to express themselves well, not be able to express themselves well,
not be able to understand gestures, facial expressions, or tones of not be able to understand gestures, facial expressions, or tones of
voice, voice,
use odd phrases and use odd choices of words, use odd phrases and use odd choices of words,
use more words than is necessary to explain simple things, use more words than is necessary to explain simple things,
make up their own words or phrases, make up their own words or phrases,
not use their hands to make gestures when they speak, and not use their hands to make gestures when they speak, and
find it difficult to understand difficult commands. find it difficult to understand difficult commands.
R4utine and repetitive behavi4ur R4utine and repetitive behavi4ur
Children with ASD may: Children with ASD may:
play the same games over and over, or play with games play the same games over and over, or play with games
designed for children younger than themselves, designed for children younger than themselves,
get upset if their daily routines are interrupted in any get upset if their daily routines are interrupted in any
way, and way, and
repeat actions, such as rocking back and forth or head repeat actions, such as rocking back and forth or head
banging. banging.
These symptoms may lead to hyperactivity in younger These symptoms may lead to hyperactivity in younger
children. children.
Older children and adults may develop obsessions. For Older children and adults may develop obsessions. For
example, with specific objects, lists, timetables or example, with specific objects, lists, timetables or
routines. routines.
$ens4ry diffi.uIties $ens4ry diffi.uIties
Some children with ASD also have sensory Some children with ASD also have sensory
difficulties. This means that they may get upset if difficulties. This means that they may get upset if
they are over or under stimulated. For example, they are over or under stimulated. For example,
they may prefer being indoors if they are over they may prefer being indoors if they are over
sensitive to light, or they may bump into people if sensitive to light, or they may bump into people if
they are under sensitive to touch. they are under sensitive to touch.
Sensory difficulties can also lead to problems Sensory difficulties can also lead to problems
with movement. A person with ASD may appear with movement. A person with ASD may appear
clumsy or have an unusual way of walking. clumsy or have an unusual way of walking.
Causes Causes
Symptoms of ASD are caused by an abnormality in the Symptoms of ASD are caused by an abnormality in the
development of the brain that occurs before, or soon development of the brain that occurs before, or soon
after birth. t's now known exactly what causes this after birth. t's now known exactly what causes this
abnormality. abnormality.
Some evidence shows that having a defective gene may Some evidence shows that having a defective gene may
be a risk factor in developing ASD. These genes may be be a risk factor in developing ASD. These genes may be
inherited, and the chance of you having ASD if your inherited, and the chance of you having ASD if your
brother or sister has it, is slightly higher than in the rest brother or sister has it, is slightly higher than in the rest
of the general population. of the general population.
Some research suggests that environmental factors such Some research suggests that environmental factors such
as pollution or viruses such as rubella (German measles) as pollution or viruses such as rubella (German measles)
may trigger ASD. However, ASD is not a result of may trigger ASD. However, ASD is not a result of
anything that a parent has done either during pregnancy anything that a parent has done either during pregnancy
or after the child is born. or after the child is born.
Diagn4sis Diagn4sis
Getting a diagnosis for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is Getting a diagnosis for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is
important, to enable access to the right services and treatments to important, to enable access to the right services and treatments to
support individual needs. support individual needs.
ASD may be difficult to diagnose as symptoms can vary ASD may be difficult to diagnose as symptoms can vary
considerably from person to person, and mild symptoms can be considerably from person to person, and mild symptoms can be
hard to spot. hard to spot.
The most common age for diagnosis is between three and four The most common age for diagnosis is between three and four
years old. However, some people may not be diagnosed until they years old. However, some people may not be diagnosed until they
are older, especially if they have mild symptoms. ASD isn't usually are older, especially if they have mild symptoms. ASD isn't usually
diagnosed before a child is two years old. diagnosed before a child is two years old.
Diagnosis in adults Diagnosis in adults
Some people aren't diagnosed with ASD when they are children, Some people aren't diagnosed with ASD when they are children,
especially when symptoms are very mild. f you have the symptoms especially when symptoms are very mild. f you have the symptoms
of ASD and it interferes with your work or social life, you should of ASD and it interferes with your work or social life, you should
speak with your GP. speak with your GP.
Tests f4r A$D Tests f4r A$D
There are no specific tests for ASD, although There are no specific tests for ASD, although
other tests such as hearing tests and blood tests other tests such as hearing tests and blood tests
may be done to rule out other health conditions. may be done to rule out other health conditions.
no link between the MMR vaccine and ASD. no link between the MMR vaccine and ASD.
Research shows that more children are Research shows that more children are
diagnosed with ASD now than 10 years ago and diagnosed with ASD now than 10 years ago and
the number of children receiving the MMR the number of children receiving the MMR
vaccine has stayed the same. vaccine has stayed the same.
Treatment F4r A$D Treatment F4r A$D
There is no treatment that can 'cure' autistic spectrum disorder There is no treatment that can 'cure' autistic spectrum disorder
(ASD). However, there are many ways in which a person with ASD (ASD). However, there are many ways in which a person with ASD
can get support to manage their condition. These methods of can get support to manage their condition. These methods of
management and support are often called 'interventions'. Many management and support are often called 'interventions'. Many
people with ASD will require specialist care and support throughout people with ASD will require specialist care and support throughout
their lives. A lot of different health professionals will work as a team their lives. A lot of different health professionals will work as a team
to care for them. to care for them.
The aim of interventions is to help a person with ASD to speak and The aim of interventions is to help a person with ASD to speak and
communicate better, and to get along better in education and at communicate better, and to get along better in education and at
work. Health professionals think that interventions work better when work. Health professionals think that interventions work better when
a child with ASD starts them from a young age. a child with ASD starts them from a young age.
Because ASD differs from person to person, the type of support a Because ASD differs from person to person, the type of support a
person needs will depend on their own individual circumstances. t person needs will depend on their own individual circumstances. t
will also depend on what services and treatments are available in will also depend on what services and treatments are available in
the area that you live. Not all services are available on the NHS in the area that you live. Not all services are available on the NHS in
all areas. all areas.
Although not a treatment in itself, a psychologist may set tests to Although not a treatment in itself, a psychologist may set tests to
help decide the best treatment options. help decide the best treatment options.
Some facts and statistics Some facts and statistics
21% of children with an ASD have been excluded from 21% of children with an ASD have been excluded from
school at least once school at least once
Adults with autism say that finding a suitable job would Adults with autism say that finding a suitable job would
improve their lives more than anything else improve their lives more than anything else
People with autism often want to make friends but due to People with autism often want to make friends but due to
their disability find it difficult their disability find it difficult
NAS volunteer befrienders have helped more than 2,000 NAS volunteer befrienders have helped more than 2,000
families families
The NAS will train more than 300 professionals in The NAS will train more than 300 professionals in
diagnosis and early diagnosis and early- -intervention techniques intervention techniques
Some facts and statistics Some facts and statistics
40% 4f aII .hiIdren with autism wait m4re than three years f4r a 40% 4f aII .hiIdren with autism wait m4re than three years f4r a
.Iear diagn4sis .Iear diagn4sis
An estimated 535,000 pe4pIe have autism in the UK An estimated 535,000 pe4pIe have autism in the UK
B4ys are f4ur times m4re IikeIy t4 deveI4p autism than girIs B4ys are f4ur times m4re IikeIy t4 deveI4p autism than girIs
Ar4und 70% 4f pe4pIe with autism have an IQ beI4w 70 (the Ar4und 70% 4f pe4pIe with autism have an IQ beI4w 70 (the
average IQ 4f the p4puIati4n is 100). This is .Iassed as a average IQ 4f the p4puIati4n is 100). This is .Iassed as a
Iearning disabiIity. $4me pe4pIe with autism have n4rmaI 4r Iearning disabiIity. $4me pe4pIe with autism have n4rmaI 4r
high inteIIigen.e. high inteIIigen.e.
Many pe4pIe with Asperger's have n4rmaI 4r ab4ve average Many pe4pIe with Asperger's have n4rmaI 4r ab4ve average
inteIIigen.e and .an Iead independent Iives. inteIIigen.e and .an Iead independent Iives.
Myths and facts about autism Myths and facts about autism
Myth Myth Reality Reality
Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a rare Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a rare
condition Autism is no longer seen as a rare condition Autism is no longer seen as a rare
condition and is thought to affect around 535,000 condition and is thought to affect around 535,000
people in the UK today people in the UK today
Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a rare Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a rare
condition Autism is no longer seen as a rare condition Autism is no longer seen as a rare
condition and is thought to affect around 535,000 condition and is thought to affect around 535,000
people in the UK today people in the UK today
Autism is a new phenomenon The first detailed Autism is a new phenomenon The first detailed
description of a child we now know had autism description of a child we now know had autism
was written in 1799 by Jean tard in his account of was written in 1799 by Jean tard in his account of
the wild boy of Aveyron. the wild boy of Aveyron.
Autism is a new phenomenon The first detailed Autism is a new phenomenon The first detailed
description of a child we now know had autism description of a child we now know had autism
was written in 1799 by Jean tard in his account of was written in 1799 by Jean tard in his account of
the wild boy of Aveyron. the wild boy of Aveyron.
Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or
emotional stress Autism is a complex emotional stress Autism is a complex
developmental disability involving a biological or developmental disability involving a biological or
organic defect in the functioning of the brain organic defect in the functioning of the brain
Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or
emotional stress Autism is a complex emotional stress Autism is a complex
developmental disability involving a biological or developmental disability involving a biological or
organic defect in the functioning of the brain organic defect in the functioning of the brain
Myths and facts about autism Myths and facts about autism
Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or
emotional stress Autism is a complex emotional stress Autism is a complex
developmental disability involving a biological or developmental disability involving a biological or
organic defect in the functioning of the brain organic defect in the functioning of the brain
Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or
emotional stress Autism is a complex emotional stress Autism is a complex
developmental disability involving a biological or developmental disability involving a biological or
organic defect in the functioning of the brain organic defect in the functioning of the brain
Autism is due to parental rejection or cold, Autism is due to parental rejection or cold,
unemotional parents Autism has nothing unemotional parents Autism has nothing
whatsoever to do with the way parents bring up whatsoever to do with the way parents bring up
their children their children
Autism is due to parental rejection or cold, Autism is due to parental rejection or cold,
unemotional parents Autism has nothing unemotional parents Autism has nothing
whatsoever to do with the way parents bring up whatsoever to do with the way parents bring up
their children their children
A person with autism cannot be educated ith A person with autism cannot be educated ith
the right structured support within and outside of the right structured support within and outside of
school, individuals with autism can be helped to school, individuals with autism can be helped to
reach their full potential reach their full potential
A person with autism cannot be educated ith A person with autism cannot be educated ith
the right structured support within and outside of the right structured support within and outside of
school, individuals with autism can be helped to school, individuals with autism can be helped to
reach their full potential reach their full potential
People with autism wish to avoid social contact People with autism wish to avoid social contact
People with autism are often keen to make friends People with autism are often keen to make friends
but, due to their disability, find this difficult but, due to their disability, find this difficult
People with autism wish to avoid social contact People with autism wish to avoid social contact
People with autism are often keen to make friends People with autism are often keen to make friends
but, due to their disability, find this difficult but, due to their disability, find this difficult
Myths and facts about autism Myths and facts about autism
People with autism look different from other People with autism look different from other
people Autism is an invisible disability people Autism is an invisible disability - - most most
people with an autistic spectrum disorder look just people with an autistic spectrum disorder look just
like anyone else who does not have this condition like anyone else who does not have this condition
People with autism look different from other People with autism look different from other
people Autism is an invisible disability people Autism is an invisible disability - - most most
people with an autistic spectrum disorder look just people with an autistic spectrum disorder look just
like anyone else who does not have this condition like anyone else who does not have this condition
Autism is a childhood condition Autism is a Autism is a childhood condition Autism is a
lifelong developmental disability with no cure. lifelong developmental disability with no cure.
Children with autism grow up to be adults with Children with autism grow up to be adults with
autism autism
Autism is a childhood condition Autism is a Autism is a childhood condition Autism is a
lifelong developmental disability with no cure. lifelong developmental disability with no cure.
Children with autism grow up to be adults with Children with autism grow up to be adults with
autism autism
All people with autism have a extraordinary ability All people with autism have a extraordinary ability
like the Dustin Hoffman character in the film like the Dustin Hoffman character in the film #,3 #,3
2,3 2,3
People with autism who have an extraordinary People with autism who have an extraordinary
talent are referred to as 'autistic savants'. Savants talent are referred to as 'autistic savants'. Savants
are rare: Between 2 and 3% of the UK population are rare: Between 2 and 3% of the UK population
have some degree of learning disability, but only have some degree of learning disability, but only
0.06% of these were initially estimated to possess 0.06% of these were initially estimated to possess
an unusually high level of specific ability. Savant an unusually high level of specific ability. Savant
ability is more frequently associated with those ability is more frequently associated with those
having some form of autism rather than with other having some form of autism rather than with other
disabilities. Current thinking holds that at most 1 disabilities. Current thinking holds that at most 1
or 2 in 200 individuals with an autistic spectrum or 2 in 200 individuals with an autistic spectrum
disorder might have a genuine savant talent. disorder might have a genuine savant talent.
4wever, there is n4 reIiabIe frequen.y 4wever, there is n4 reIiabIe frequen.y
estimate as yet as there is stiII n4 register 4f estimate as yet as there is stiII n4 register 4f
pe4pIe with autism in the UK. pe4pIe with autism in the UK.
ho do you Know !! ho do you Know !!
dentify at least one fictional character who is dentify at least one fictional character who is
autistic. autistic.
dentify at least one TV Alien who is autistic. dentify at least one TV Alien who is autistic.
Name Two film characters who are autistic. Name Two film characters who are autistic.
Name one Famous Historical Person who is Name one Famous Historical Person who is
autistic. autistic.
Name at least one contemporary Famous Name at least one contemporary Famous
person who is autistic. person who is autistic.
Can you name any writer who writes about Can you name any writer who writes about
autism. autism.
NAS adult services NAS adult services
eiI M.C4na.hie eiI M.C4na.hie
Director, NAS Services Director, NAS Services
Church House Church House
Church Road, Filton Church Road, Filton
Bristol BS34 7BD, UK Bristol BS34 7BD, UK
Tel: +44 (0)117 974 8400 Tel: +44 (0)117 974 8400
Fax: +44 (0)117 987 2576 Fax: +44 (0)117 987 2576
Email: Email: services@nas.org.uk services@nas.org.uk
The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society
0845 070 4004 0845 070 4004
http://www.nas.org.uk http://www.nas.org.uk
Contact a family Contact a family
0808 808 3555 0808 808 3555
http://www.cafamily.org.uk http://www.cafamily.org.uk