This booklet was produced to bring about a greater awareness of the complexity of autism. It aims to bring about an understanding of the difficulties that children and adults with autism have in making sense of the everyday things that we take for granted.
This booklet was produced to bring about a greater awareness of the complexity of autism. It aims to bring about an understanding of the difficulties that children and adults with autism have in making sense of the everyday things that we take for granted.
This booklet was produced to bring about a greater awareness of the complexity of autism. It aims to bring about an understanding of the difficulties that children and adults with autism have in making sense of the everyday things that we take for granted.
BORN TO BE DIFFERENT,
BORN TO BE STRANGE,
BORN TO UPSET, DISTURB, REARRANGE,
NOBODY’S ENEMY, NOBODY’S FRIEND,
NEVER TO COMPROMISE,
NEVER TO BEND.INTRODUCTION
This booklet was produced to bring about a greater awareness of
the complexity of Autism and in the process an understanding of
the difficulties that children and adults with autism have in
making sense of the everyday things that we take for granted.
Characteristics of Autism
Avoids eye contact.
Disinterest in people or play.
Unusual fears e.g. certain colours.
Inappropriate use of toys.
Fl
2
i
4
5 Resists learning.
6 Obsessive spinning of objects.
7 Laughs or giggles for no apparent reason.
8S Unaware of danger.
9 Ability to ignore loud sounds or noise.
10 Obsessive attachment to pieces of string.
11 Rejects physical contact.
12 Resists change.NIGHTRUNNER
A creaking sound upon the floor
a chair still rocking by the door
an open window, switched on light
a doorway open to the night
a disappearing clicking sound
a rag doll tossed upon the ground
fleeting glimpses in the dark
across the street into the park
anxious feelings, rushing past
brushing leaves and bending grass
laughter carried on the breeze
through the bushes and the trees
the sound of laughter from the beech
atustle just beyond your reach
the pat of footsteps still in flight
that seem to melt into the night
the chase gives way to breathless ease
there standing in the swirling breeze
a figure, lonely, staring, still,
in silhouette, in silent chill,
I slowly walk across the sand
in silence, softly take her hand