About Autism.
It is not possible to identify a ‘typical’ person with autism. Autism is defined as a ‘Spectrum Condition’ precisely because it manifests itself in so many different ways.
People at the lower end of the spectrum may have severe learning difficulties and poor self care skills, whilst those at the higher end may be quite self sufficient with an average or above average IQ.
All people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) have some degree of difficulty in making sense of the world in which they live.
All have difficulties with 3 main areas:
- Social interaction.
- Social communication.
- Imagination or flexibility of thought.
A child with severe autism may never learn to speak, or may speak only in single words. He will probably have no concept of friendship or love and could remain emotionally isolated throughout his life. This can be enormously painful for parents who are denied any sort of ‘normal’ relationship with their child. Many compare the onset of severe autism in their child as a ‘bereavement.’
However, early diagnosis and intervention can lead to very positive improvements in a child’s relationship with the world around him (or her).
And an individualised programme of support for a child or adult with autism can help to resolve some of the sensory and communication issues which can make every day life so challenging.
Most children at the lower end of the spectrum will demonstrate obsessive behaviours. Any slight change to their routine (for example a different spoon or bowl at breakfast time) can prompt a violent and distressing reaction. They will often hit, kick and bite their siblings and parents. Many of these children have heightened sensory awareness. Some cannot tolerate clothing or may be extremely intolerant to noise or certain smells. Again, this can prompt violent or upsetting behaviour.
Often, children with severe autism have difficulty sleeping. It is not uncommon for a child to go for several nights without sleep, or to sleep for only 2 or 3 hours each night. Wetting and soiling the bed is a very frequent occurrence.
Although these behaviours can be very distressing to the child and their family, with specialist support they can learn strategies for processing and dealing with change to their daily routine.
Specialist sensory input can also help to reduce intolerance to light, sound, touch or smell resulting in huge improvements to the child or adult’s quality of life.
Autism is a life long condition. There is no “cure.” However, with the right intervention and support it is possible to help people with severe autism to improve their communication and learn to live within a community. So children who may seem distressed and shut off from the outside world can, in time, grow into young people and adults who enjoy life and, hopefully, come to realize their full potential.
Specialist provision for people who have autism.
The debate over inclusion has been intense in recent years. For many children with Autism, inclusion in mainstream education is achievable and appropriate.
Specialist provision in the child’s home authority may be appropriate where this ensures that they have access to the level and nature of support that they require.
Some children will, however, require highly specialised support which may be impossible to create in their home authority area. They may present extremely challenging and violent behaviour which may put themselves and others at risk. These young people need constant support from specialist staff who understand what may trigger such behaviour and know how to calm and reassure them. Similarly some adults will require high levels of support and specialised help which local authorities would struggle to provide (because of the relatively low number of people requiring such services).
We believe that children, young people and adults with severe Autism are one of the few groups with disabilities for whom inclusion into mainstream services is often not appropriate and in fact may be damaging. At times it requires parents, carers and professionals to act almost against their instincts, which are naturally to support and meet the needs of the individual in their home environment.
Where it is not possible to meet the needs of a child, young person or adult at home we believe that a placement should be made available from which the individual can have their needs fully met. Regular contact with their family or carers is an integral part of this provision. The North East Autism Society can offer just such specialized placements.
Some individuals need consistency and routine, over 24 hours a day, seven days a week and on occasions 52 weeks a year, to help them feel safe and secure. It can be particularly difficult for parents and carers to achieve this continuity given the other pressures that impact upon their lives. They may for example, have more than one child or, may need to fit their caring responsibilities around full or part time employment. At the North East Autism Society our aim is to provide services which support the growth and development of the people in our care, whilst maintaining their place within the family, community and society in general.
Every person with autism has a right to an active, fulfilling life within his or her local community.
Facts and figures:
- Autism affects approximately 67 million people worldwide
- More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, & AIDS combined
- A recent study by the University of Cambridge suggests that the figure may be as high as 1 in 58 amongst children in the UK.
- Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Useful Links
National Autistic Society
Autism Speaks
Autism Alliance