Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder, commonly known as ASD, affects how people communicate and interact with others. It affects how they make sense of the world.

Autism is a developmental condition that has traditionally thought to be life-long. With this ground breaking program, big changes are possible for the future prospects for these children! People with ASD experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours. These are often accompanied by sensory issues, such an oversensitivity or under sensitivity to sounds, smells or touch. All of these difficulties may lead to behavioural challenges in some individuals.

1) Social communication and interaction

Difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity e.g. being unable to maintain normal back-and-forth conversations, having little or no interest in sharing interests and emotions (pointing or showing), displaying little or no interest in social interactions.
Difficulties with non-verbal communication, e.g. abnormal eye contact, difficulties understanding and using gestures (such as nodding), body language and facial expressions.
Difficulties in developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to age and development e.g. difficulties with imaginative play and making friends.

2) Restricted and repetitive behaviours:

Stereotyped or repetitive speech, movements or use of objects, such as lining up toys, flapping hands, toe walking or echolalia (repeating words or phrases).
Inflexible adherence to routines, patterns or behaviour (e.g. eating the same foods, travelling the same way to school etc.) and becoming distressed at changes.
Sensory hyper or hypo-reactivity (e.g. to sounds, pain and textures) as described above.
Restricted or fixated interests e.g. only playing with certain toys or discussing certain topics.