All About Autism.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which effects how people communicate and interact. Children with autism have differences with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour or interest. They may have sensory processing needs and differences with their learning.
Children with autism may have deep fixed interests, these may change or could be lifelong.
Social Communication/Interaction
Children with autism may have difficulties interpreting verbal and non-verbal language, including tone of voice, facial expression and gestures. This can vary greatly from having limited speech to good language skills but having difficulty with sarcasm or literal interpretation. They may need extra processing time, they may repeat what has been said to them, this is known as echolalia.
Children with autism may also struggle to recognise their own or others feelings or emotions. They may seem insensitive. They may need to spend time alone and not ask for comfort from others, they may find it hard to make and keep friendships and they may seem socially awkward.
Repetitive and restrictive behaviours
Children with autism may prefer to have daily routines that are predictable. They may prefer to travel the same route to school, have the same order of morning/bedtime routine or eat the same food at certain meal times.
Children with autism may also display repetitive movements (stereotyped movements) such as hand flapping, hand twirling, rocking, repeatedly opening/closing doors or flicking on/off light switches. These can be heightened when anxious or stressed or may be comfortable or enjoyable.
Changes to routine can cause upset or anxiety and be distressing. This may lead to meltdown or changes in behaviour.
Sensory Processing Differences
Children with autism may experience sensory input differently, they may be over or under sensitive to sounds, touch, smells, light, temperature or pain.
These differences in sensory processing may cause anxiety and the feeling of being over or underwhelmed.
Some children with autism may avoid everyday situations due to these sensory processing differences, though simple adjustments can help make environments more autism friendly.