I Know About Autism

Welcome to I Know About Autism When we are talking about Autism today, we also mean people who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (sometimes called ASD) and Asperger Syndrome

Children, young people and adults can have autism We cannot cure autism, but learning about it will help us to understand, and this will make life easier for people with autism

Do you think you can tell if someone has autism from they way they look?

No, you cannot tell if someone has autism from the way they look. Children, young people and adults with autism are all different and some may have more difficulties than others.

Children, young people and adults with autism have difficulties understanding and doing certain things. Lets take a look at what these are...

Communication Can you think of the ways in which we show each other how we feel or what we are thinking?

Eye contact (looking at each other to show we are listening or giving ‘dirty looks’ when we are cross) Facial expressions (like smiling or frowning) Body Language (like crossing our arms when we are angry) Gestures (like putting our thumbs up or clapping) Words Blah blah blah

Think about it, how can you tell when someone is angry?

When someone is angry they: Clench their fists Stare Frown Shout Sweat Might have a red face

Children, young people and adults with autism have difficulty in telling how someone is feeling, or guessing what they might be thinking from looking at them.

This means that they may be confused and not realise you are angry, sad or only joking when you talk to them. You should always try to use words and tell someone with autism how you feel

What about the words you use? Children, young people or adults with autism have difficulty understanding you when you say things that you don’t mean. Can you think of some things that people without autism say that they don’t really mean?

Here are some examples: That’s cool I’ll be there in a second Has the cat got your tongue? My head is spinning She’s mental Pull your socks up

When you talk to children, young people and adults with autism it is important to- Say exactly what you mean

Friendships Children, young people and adults with autism like having friends. They often struggle to make and keep friends though. This is because they may not know how you are feeling, or not realise when you are bored or that what they say sounds unusual to you

Children and young people with autism often make very good friends. You can help by using words to help them to understand how you feel, and teaching them how to chat to other children and young people.

Imagination Children, young people and adults with autism struggle with some things that need them to use imagination. This might be playing pretend games like house or cops and robbers, or imagining what you think about them or even imagining what new places or activities will be like.

How can you help? Play games that don’t need imagination like board games, tag, races or hop scotch Be kind and patient, ask if they understand the game before you begin. Use your words to explain how you feel and why you are doing something.

Routines Some children, young people and adults with autism like to do some things in exactly the same way or at the same time each day. They may also dislike changes, and like the same things to happen in the same order each day.

Sometimes changes can make people with autism worried or scared. Can you think of some changes that might make children with autism worried at school?

Some changes that may worry children with autism at school: Having a different teacher School holidays Christmas time (rehearsals, concerts and parties) School trips New pupils starting Changing classroom around Moving seats

Sensory Issues Can you name your 5 senses?

They are: Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch

Children, young people and adults with autism may be more sensitive to these than you are. This may mean they become distressed if in a noisy place, or with certain noises like a hand dryer. They may not like anyone touching them, may not like bright lights or may become upset around certain smells or tastes.

Because of these difficulties, children, young people and adults with autism sometimes become worried and distressed. Sometimes when they are worried they may seem shy or may cry or hide away, at other times they may shout or throw things.

You have learned a lot about autism. Being kind and patient, and remembering all the things you have learned can really help. you know about autism!