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Autism Awareness. Making sense of the puzzle www.dealwithautism.com. Introduction. The term Autism covers a vast range or spectrum of abilities and difficulties. Aims & Objectives By the end of this presentation you should be able to : Highlight the difficulties involved in diagnosis.
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Autism Awareness Making sense of the puzzle www.dealwithautism.com
Introduction The term Autism covers a vast range or spectrum of abilities and difficulties. • Aims & Objectives • By the end of this presentation you should be able to: • Highlight the difficulties involved in diagnosis. • Look at the possible signs & symptoms. • Recognize challenging behaviors. • Identify possible risks. • Suggest support strategies www.dealwithautism.com
What is Autism ? What is Autism ? Autism is a developmental disorder that causes problems in three different areas of ability Ritualistic Behaviours Social Skills Ritualistic Behaviours Communication Skills These are behaviors that not only restrict everyday ability and experiences, they also include repetitive behaviors that are similar to OCD www.dealwithautism.com
Current Definitions Asperger’s Syndrome Autism I, II & III Pervasive Developmental Disorder Autism www.dealwithautism.com
Asperger’s Syndrome • Asperger's Syndrome • can effect a person’s • Behaviour • Use of Language • Ability to communicate • Social interactions In the UK and USA, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum There has been a 30% increase in the number of children diagnosed with Autism since the 2012 statistics www.dealwithautism.com
. Possible Causes of Autism Only 1 in 10 people PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) ? Genetics ? Pesticides and other pollutants ? Neurology? Lack of Vitamin E? www.dealwithautism.com
Don’t want Friendships Have no feelings Lack Creativity Tantrums Good at Maths MYTH MYTH MYTH MYTH MYTH Myths Fact or Myth ? www.dealwithautism.com
Signs of Autism • Social Interactions • Repetitive speech • Non-verbal skills • Appear aloof. • One sided talk • Lack of eye contact • Social/emotional • Obsessions • Movements • Literal Interpretation • Personal space • Sensory issues www.dealwithautism.com
Autism and Females • Look out for these personality traits: • Obsessive tendencies • Fascinated with certain subjects • Mimic neurotypical people • Get bored with people of their own age • Rarely show empathy Generally more passive than males. Will withdrawn rather than be aggressive Females can express their emotions in a calmer manner Usually supported by their neurotypical peers. www.dealwithautism.com
The Positive side of Autism • The ability to spot errors • Directness in dealing with people • Honesty • Interesting viewpoints • Have areas of expertise • Reliable on routine tasks • Punctual & Conscientious • Will get on with tasks and less likely to chatter. • Thability These characteristics are general and will depend on personality and ability www.dealwithautism.com
Stimming • Stimming: repetitive movement. Can be as simple as • a sideways gaze • Or as obvious as • running in circles • jumping and clapping • chewing on clothes • rocking back and forth. “We cannot do everything…The cuts are so significant, we are going to have so few officers that the public’s expectations are going to have to change.” Hand Flapping or flicking Repetitive throat clearing Repeating the same word or sound It can any part of the body affect www.dealwithautism.com
Visual Learners www.dealwithautism.com
Identified Behaviour Risks Misread social situations Risk Factors together with sensory overload can cause a Melt Down. Changes to Routine Lacks common sense Easily distracted by strong interests Anxious when annoyed. Can get verbally abusive Dislikes getting messy www.dealwithautism.com
Support Tactics Crystal Clear instructions Discuss the Boundaries Advance warning of any changes Can re-focus with support Mentor Cards or a Scribe Agree a Safe Place Watch your Language ! www.dealwithautism.com
Sensory Meltdown • Heightened sensitivity to: • Sound • Smell • Taste • Touch • Visual stimulus • Can result in a Sensory Meltdown • Its not a Tantrum • Different levels of sensitivity • Can feel trapped • Should not be punished for not coping www.dealwithautism.com
Autism and Learning Difficulty Between 44% - 52% of people with autism may have a learning disability. Between 48% - 56% of people with autism do not have a learning disability. • Learning difficulties can include : • Dyslexia • ADHD • ADD • Which can lead to: • Frustration • Low self-esteem • Behaviour problems www.dealwithautism.com
Autism & Mental Health • Mental Health Difficulties • Anxiety and Depression • Sleep Difficulties • Bipolar Depression • General Anxiety Disorder • Behavioural Problems • Obsessional Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Inattention and Hyperactivity (ADD & ADHD) • Seizures. • Impulsivity www.dealwithautism.com
Sharing Information Autism Alert card is designed for older children and adults The Communication and Hospital Passport www.dealwithautism.com