Autism Awareness Making sense of the puzzle

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

What is Autism ? Social Skills Communication Skills Ritualistic Behaviours These are behaviors that not only restrict everyday ability and experiences, they also include repetitive behaviors that are similar to OCD What is Autism ? Autism is a developmental disorder that causes problems in three different areas of ability Ritualistic Behaviours

Current Definitions Autism I, II & III Asperger’s Syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder Autism

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

Possible Causes of Autism. Only 1 in 10 people Genetics ? PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) ? Pesticides and other pollutants ? Neurology ? Lack of Vitamin E?

Myths Fact or Myth ? MYTH Tantrums MYTH Don’t want Friendships MYTH Good at Maths MYTH Have no feelings MYTH Lack Creativity

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

Autism and Females Generally more passive than males. Usually supported by their neurotypical peers. 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Get bored with people of their own age Rarely show empathy Females can express their emotions in a calmer manner Will withdrawn rather than be aggressive

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 The Positive side of Autism These characteristics are general and will depend on personality and ability

It can any part of the body affect “ 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. ” Stimming Repetitive throat clearing Hand Flapping or flicking Repeating the same word or sound 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.

Visual Learners

Identified Behaviour Risks Lacks common sense Dislikes getting messy Changes to Routine Anxious when annoyed. Can get verbally abusive Easily distracted by strong interests Misread social situations Risk Factors together with sensory overload can cause a Melt Down.

Support Tactics Crystal Clear instructions Agree a Safe Place Cards or a Scribe Mentor Discuss the Boundaries Watch your Language ! Can re-focus with support Advance warning of any changes

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

Autism and Learning Difficulty Learning difficulties can include :  Dyslexia  ADHD  ADD Which can lead to:  Frustration  Low self-esteem  Behaviour problems 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.

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

Autism Alert card is designed for older children and adults The Communication and Hospital Passport Sharing Information