Autism Awareness. Making sense of the puzzle.

Transcription

1 Autism Awareness Making sense of the puzzle

2 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

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

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

5 Asperger s Syndrome Asperger's Syndrome can effect a person s Behaviour Use of Language Ability to communicate Social interactions There has been a 30% increase in the number of children diagnosed with Autism since the 2012 statistics In the UK and USA, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum

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

7 Myths Fact or Myth? Tantrums Don t want Friendships Good at Maths Lack Creativity Have no feelings MYTH MYTH MYTH MYTH MYTH

8 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

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with certain subjects Mimic neurotypical people Get bored with people of their own age Rarely show empathy Will withdrawn rather than be aggressive Females can express their emocons in a calmer manner Usually supported by their neurotypical peers.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

10 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. These characterisccs are general and will depend on personality and ability

11 Stimming S2mming: repe22ve movement. Can be as simple as a sideways gaze Or as obvious as running in circles 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. jumping and clapping chewing on clothes rocking back and forth. Repea2ng the same word or sound Hand Flapping or flicking Repe22ve throat clearing It can any part of the body affect

12 Visual Learners

13 Identified Behaviour Risks Misread social situa2ons Changes to Rou2ne Anxious when annoyed. Can get verbally abusive Risk Factors together with sensory overload can cause a Melt Down. Dislikes gehng messy Lacks common sense Easily distracted by strong interests

14 Support Tactics Advance warning of any changes Cards or a Scribe Discuss the Boundaries Can re-focus with support Agree a Safe Place Crystal Clear instruc2ons Mentor Watch your Language!

15 Sensory Meltdown Heightened sensicvity to: Sound Smell Taste Touch Visual scmulus Can result in a Sensory Meltdown Its not a Tantrum Different levels of sensicvity Can feel trapped Should not be punished for not coping

16 Autism and Learning Difficulty Between 44% - 52% of people with aucsm may have a learning disability. Between 48% - 56% of people with aucsm do not have a learning disability. Learning difficulces can include : Dyslexia ADHD ADD Which can lead to: FrustraCon Low self-esteem Behaviour problems

17 Autism & Mental Health Mental Health Difficul2es Anxiety and Depression Sleep DifficulCes Bipolar Depression General Anxiety Disorder Behavioural Problems Obsessional Compulsive Disorder (OCD) InaYenCon and HyperacCvity (ADD & ADHD) Seizures. Impulsivity

18 Sharing Information AuCsm Alert card is designed for older children and adults The CommunicaCon and Hospital Passport