Autism Spectrum Disorders
- lperry94
- Nov 2, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 20, 2020
(also known as ASD)
Autism Spectrum disorders are pervasive developmental disorders that primarily affect social interactions, language, and behaviour. It can be diagnosed at any age but it generally appears in the first two years of life. People with ASD usually have difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours, and symptoms that hurt the person's ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life.
It is a spectrum because people experience a wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms.
ASD can occur in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. It’s a lifelong disorder but there are treatments and services that can improve the symptoms and the ability to function.
Children with autism are resistant to change, have difficulty in expressing their needs so they point instead of using words. They have difficulty in communicating and with social skills, and in some of the most severe cases they are non verbal.
Children with autism teach us so many lessons... we have to think of them as unique and capable. They bring the best of every family by teaching everyone the importance of kindness, compassion, listening and respect. Families realise what's truly important in life: love and compassion, leaving behind what's simply not worth the energy. This can be a reboot in a family's life.
Parents and teachers celebrate every little achievement. These children will be able to do so many things, it's only a matter of when and how they will do them. Patience and respect are essential in their education.
One size does not fit all! This means that we as parents, caregivers, friends, neighbours and teachers need to find different ways to try to make a connection.
Focus on the strengths, not on the weaknesses.
Activities for children with ASD:
Make a sensory bottle: fill an old plastic bottle with a mix of water, glitter and a few drops of food colouring. Drop in a few buttons or marbles and then seal the lid tightly using a hot glue gun. This helps the child to learn to engage and stay focused.
Books to understand ASD:
“Leah’s voice” by Lori DeMonia
Facebook challenge activity:
- Music and dancing are good to entertain children and adults with autism. For this activity please pick your favourite song and sing and dance to it like no one is watching. Just have fun!
Resources:
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