World Autism Awareness Day 2014
Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning individuals will be affected differently and at varying degrees depending on where on the spectrum they fall. Autism affects how individuals relate to and behave around other people. It also affects their view of the world.
Areas of difficulty for people living with Autism include
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Difficulty with social communication
- Difficulty with social imagination
A major challenge for people living with Autism is that the condition is not widely visible as with many learning difficulties, or physical disabilities. As a consequence of this, many people don’t recognise or understand the condition when they come across it in others. Children may be deemed to have behavioural problems, while adults may be perceived as strange or different. However, with help and support and the right level of understanding, people living with autism can lead fulfilling lives.
Behaviours that challenge us which people with autism may display can include interpreting everything literally, not engaging in speech, or engaging in one-sided conversations, appearing insensitive due to lack of understanding, inappropriate topics of discussion and a need for routine. Because the world can be a difficult place for people with autism to understand, process and communicate in, routine can provide comfort.
The video below shows a talk given by Sarah Hendrickx, a woman living on the spectrum. She discusses Autism and Anxiety, and explores some of the reasons Autistic people become so anxious in social situations –
For more information on Autism, or for help and support, see the links below:
The National Autistic Society, Autism Initiatives, Ambitious about Autism
Training courses hosted by Steps Training for anyone working with people living with autism include:
Conflict Resolution Training, Developing De-Escalation Skills, Developing Effective Communication Skills
