top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

Understanding Autism

Autism is a neurological disorder that can present as a range of different traits.

 

It's mainly summarised as difficulties with three main aspects:

  • Social communication

  •  Social interaction

  • Rigid and repetitive behaviours

     

What is it?

Are all children with Autism the same?

Autism is on a spectrum which is why it is now known in the clinical field as Autism Spectrum Disorders. This means that the range of behaviours associated with a diagnosis are wide and varied; no two people with ASD are the same, just as no two neurotypical humans are the same! Many children with ASD may also have:

  • A Learning Disability 

  • Mental Health Conditions such as anxiety 

  • Other neurological disorders such as ADHD

All of these factors influence how traits of Autism present themselves.

The Science-y Bit

The causes of Autism are still debated however research suggests that it influenced by genetics, which in turn influences brain structure and function. Most of these changes appear to affect crucial aspects of early brain development. Some appear to affect how brain nerve cells or entire brain regions communicate with each other. Importantly, environmental risk factors have minimal impact and so you cannot "cause" Autism through your parenting, nor can childhood vaccines cause Autism.

​

​

​

What are Autistic traits?

There are many theories on what should be categorised as Autistic traits, and its important to add that everyone with Autism is individual and does not necessarily possess these traits. 

  • Difficulties with social communication 

  • Difficulties with social interaction 

  • Repetitive and restrictive behaviours

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Difficulties with change or unpredictability 

  • Specific interests

  • Anxiety

Examples of Autistic traits:

Screenshot 2020-06-12 at 13.23.54.png

Social 

Communication
Difficulties 

Your child may find social settings extremely stressful and may struggle with putting themselves in others' shoes. This does not mean that they have no empathy, but they might just struggle to express their feelings of empathy to others, or use the right social tools to interact with others. However, it is so important to note that many children with ASD may be very sociable and the majority of children do want to build friendships and relationships, they just need support in developing the tools to do so.

Mother and Child

Sensory 
Sensitivity

The majority of children with ASD struggle with some element of their sensory environment. You may find that from a young age, your child covers their ears at loud noises or on the flip-side will sit for hours listening to the same repetitive song, rhythm or sound e.g. church bells. They may struggle with bright lights, tastes and you may find that they react strongly to scents such as body odour and deodorant that others may not notice. They also may explore objects using their mouths rather than hands. They may also struggle to regulate their body temperature.

Screenshot 2020-05-25 at 16.04.46.png

Challenging Behaviours

A fair amount of children with ASD may show challenging behaviours (like many neurotypical children!). This may include:

  • Self injurious behaviour 

  • Physical aggression e.g. biting or spitting 

  • Pica (eating non edible objects)

  • Smearing 

There are a multitude of explanations for this, including sensory sensitivity, frustrations resulting from stress or being overwhelmed, being unable to effectively communicate demands, unpredictable events or hunger/tiredness. 

Child Painting Model Airplane

Difficulties coping with change

Screenshot 2020-05-25 at 16.03.00.png

Rigid Thinking

Screenshot 2020-06-12 at 13.23.10.png

Repetitive and/or restrictive behaviours

Recent Literature

Technology aids social interaction and learning in Autistic samples

​

Published May 2020:

  • Online technologies significantly influence the development of positive social interactions with peers compared to offline tools

  • Novelty seemed to have the strongest impact on social interactions, even more than creating collaborative spaces or having practitioners direct Childrens social play.

Childhood predictors of positive outcomes at adolescence 

​

Published May 2020:​

  • One of the few long term studies 

  • Early social behaviours including:

  1. Pointing 

  2. Showing (indicating interest)

  3. Facial expressions directed to others 

  4. Response to joint attention 

  • All associated with best outcome at adolescence

  • Lower levels of anxiety in childhood associated with better clinical outcome 

  • No significant impact of medical problems in childhood 

​

HOWEVER: This study only had three participants so it may not be generalisable

 

​

Improving screening, diagnosis and support

​

Published Jan 2020:

  • As the prevalence of autism continues to rise (due to improved recognition and changes in diagnostic criteria), there is a greater need to provide timely diagnosis and additional support services. 

  • This article explores the processes currently in place and how they can improve

​

​

bottom of page