Empowering Autistic Voices

Helping Children with Autism Harness Their Strengths

Chris Abojei, PsyD. CEAP

Guess Who?
  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental
disorder characterized by challenges in:
 Language development
 Social communication and interaction, as well as
 Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or
Understanding activities.

Autism  It's important to recognize that ASD is a spectrum condition,

meaning that it manifests differently in each individual.
Spectrum  While some may have significant support needs, others may
Disorder (ASD) have exceptional abilities in certain areas.
Understanding
Autism
Spectrum
Disorder (ASD)
  In Nigeria, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be around 1
in 68 children, although there is limited data due to
underdiagnosis and lack of awareness.
 Globally, the prevalence is estimated at 1 in 54 children
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Statistics on  These statistics highlight the importance of

Autism in  raising awareness,

 increasing access to services, and
Nigeria and  supporting individuals and families affected by autism.

Globally
  The exact causes of autism are still not fully understood, but
research suggests that a combination of genetic and
environmental factors may contribute to its development. Some
potential predictors of autism include:
 Genetic predisposition
 Prenatal factors: Maternal infections, exposure to environmental
Causes and toxins, and complications during pregnancy may influence brain

Predictors of development.
 Early brain development
Autism  Further research is needed to better understand the complex
interplay of factors contributing to autism.
  Assessment and diagnosis of autism typically involve a
comprehensive evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary
team, including psychologists, pediatricians, speech-language
therapists, and occupational therapists. The assessment process
may include:
Assessment and  Developmental history and parent/caregiver interviews.

Diagnosis of  Direct observation of the child's behavior and social interaction.

 Standardized assessments, such as the Autism Diagnostic
Autism Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic
Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
 Screening for co-occurring conditions and developmental delays.
 Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for promoting
positive outcomes and maximizing the child's potential.
  Several evidence-based interventions can support children with
autism in developing essential skills and managing challenges.
Some practical interventions include:
 Play Therapy: Using structured play activities to promote social
interaction, communication, and imaginative play skills.
Practical  Art Therapy: Engaging in creative activities to express emotions,
Interventions enhance self-awareness, and improve sensory processing.
 Social Skills Training: Teaching specific social skills through role-
for Autism playing, modeling, and reinforcement techniques.
 Spirituality and Autism: Incorporating spirituality and religious
practices to provide comfort, promote coping skills, and foster a
sense of belonging.
  Giftedness may share some characteristics with autism, such as
intense focus and keen attention to detail,
 ADHD, on the other hand, may present with hyperactivity,
impulsivity, and inattention,
Differential  But both lack the core features of autism-related to social
Diagnosis: Autism communication and restricted interests. Autism has a more

vs. Other severe impairment in

 joint attention,
Developmental  imitation skills,
Disorders  empathic responding,
 shared enjoyment,
 eye contact, and
 relationship with peers.
  Autism and Down syndrome are both neurodevelopmental
disorders that can co-occur in some individuals.
 Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic
disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of

Autism and chromosome 21, resulting in developmental delays, intellectual

disabilities, and distinct physical features.
Down • Individuals with both autism and Down syndrome may have a
Syndrome complex combination of symptoms, including challenges in
• social interaction,
• communication deficits,
• sensory sensitivities, and
• intellectual disabilities.
 Co-Occurring
Conditions with
Autism
  Families of children with autism often experience significant
emotional burdens due to the challenges associated with the
condition.
 Parents may feel
Emotional  overwhelmed,
 stressed, or
Burden for  isolated as they navigate the complexities of caregiving, accessing

Families with services, and advocating for their child's needs.

 It's important to acknowledge and address these emotional

Autism challenges through
 support networks,
 counseling services, and
 self-care strategies.
  Instead of focusing solely on deficits, it's crucial to identify and
nurture the strengths and talents of autistic individuals.
 Many notable individuals with autism have demonstrated
Harnessing remarkable abilities in their respective fields. For example,
 Albert Einstein's unique way of thinking contributed to his
Strengths of groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Autistic  Temple Grandin, a prominent autism advocate and animal

scientist, credits her autism for her innovative approach to
Individuals understanding animal behaviour.
 Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has also spoken about
how his autism has contributed to his success in technology and
entrepreneurship.
  As parents and loved ones of children with autism, there are
various strategies we can implement to support their
development and well-being.
 Establishing a supportive and inclusive environment at home and
in the community is essential.

Practical  Communication strategies, such as using visual supports and

social stories, can help enhance social interaction and
Strategies for understanding.

Parents and  Sensory regulation techniques, such as deep pressure therapy or

sensory breaks, can address sensory sensitivities.
Loved Ones  Structured routines and visual schedules provide predictability
and reduce anxiety.
  For example,
 using a visual schedule helped the child transition smoothly
between activities at home and school.
 Sensory tools, like a weighted blanket or fidget toys, supported
the child in managing sensory overload during noisy or crowded

Applying environments.

 By implementing these strategies consistently, the child

Strategies in experienced

Daily Life  improved communication skills,

 decreased anxiety, and
 greater independence.
Guess Who?
  In Nigeria, there are several cent re s and organizations
specializing in autism assessment, intervention, and support.
 Some notable ones include the
 FOS, lighthouse for autism, Center for Autism and Developmental
Disabilities (CADD) in Lagos and the Patrick Speech and
Resources and Languages Centre in Abuja.

Support  These centers offer a range of services, including diagnostic

assessments, behavioral therapy, speech and language therapy,
Services in and parent training programs.
Nigeria
  As an organization, we have a responsibility to support
employees who have children with autism.
 This support can take various forms,
 including flexible work arrangements to accommodate
How Organizations appointments and therapy sessions,

Can Support  access to employee assistance programs for counselling and

resources, and
Employees with  fostering an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates
Children with neurodiversity.

Autism  By prioritizing the well-being of our employees and their

families, we contribute to a more supportive and understanding
work environment.
  In conclusion,
 by empowering autistic voices,
 focusing on their strengths,
 understanding the assessment and diagnosis process,
implementing practical interventions, and
 addressing co-occurring conditions we can help children with
Conclusion and autism reach their full potential.

Q&A  I encourage you to continue learning about autism and

advocating for inclusion and acceptance in our communities.
 • If you have any further questions or would like to
learn more about supporting children with autism,
please feel free to reach out
CONTACT US

09034994798
07081269270

wellness@psychaideap.com
psychaidconsults@gmail.com

08/04/2024 10:06 PM www.psychaideap.com 2323

  For additional information and resources on autism, please
refer to the following references:
 American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA:
American Psychiatric Publishing.
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html.
References  National Autistic Society. (2020). What is autism? Retrieved from
https://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asd.aspx.
 Grandin, T. (2006). Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism.
New York, NY: Vintage.
 Musk, E. (2015). Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a
Fantastic Future. New York, NY: Ecco.