Autism can be a complex condition. It is often difficult for people with autism or their caregivers to explain what autism is. However, it is important to have a definition ready so that others can be aware of the needs of people with autism with whom they interact. Here are some key points provided by an organization that provides ABA therapy to children with autism:
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s neurological system. In general, it causes differences in the way people perceive the world and in the way they communicate. Because communication and other social skills are important for success in life, people with autism face quite a few challenges. However, in many cases, people with autism are able to overcome those challenges and realize the gifts of seeing the world in a different way than most.
Autism is also a spectrum disorder in which symptoms vary widely. For example, a person may be extremely sensitive to sensory input, such as touch and light. That same person, however, may have developed excellent social skills. Another person with autism may have difficulty with social interactions and yet have few sensory problems. The wide range of differences on the autism spectrum makes it difficult to pin down one set of symptoms in one definition.
People with autism often have difficulty communicating with others. Some of the things they struggle with are:
-A voice that is monotonous or that varies in rhythm and tones at odd intervals
-Repetition of words, phrases or sentences, called echolalia
-Has difficulty sharing feelings or concepts.
-Word processing disorders that cause them to be confused by complex instructions, as well as difficulties responding quickly to instructions or questions
-A literal understanding of sentences and stories that causes them an inability to understand figures of speech, irony and sarcasm.
People with autism often experience the world in a unique way. They may seem to ignore you or have a hard time making eye contact when you talk to them. When you talk to someone who has autism, remember these facts.
-People with autism sometimes seem uninterested in the people around them. This causes great difficulties in making connections with others.
-Sometimes people affected by autism need to move while listening. Restlessness allows them to better process information. They may also not be able to make eye contact because eye contact makes them lose focus. Don’t be alarmed when you look away or play with your fingers while listening. That is normal for them.
-They may not be able to process information quickly, especially in a noisy and distracting environment. They may even seem unable to hear someone speaking to them. Pausing during conversations or moving to a less distracting environment can help make communication easier.
-People with autism often face great challenges when playing with other people or interacting socially with them at gatherings or parties. Games, parties, and gatherings have social rules that are difficult for many people to follow or involve intense sensory stimulation, such as bright lights or loud music.
People affected by autism often need structure and routine. Because many people with autism get scared when something out of the ordinary happens, they usually prefer a schedule that is highly structured and varies little from day to day. Here are some behaviors that people with autism often exhibit:
-They can follow a strict schedule.
-Unexpected changes, such as a change in classrooms or a change in teachers, can cause distress for people with autism.
-They may find that a comfort object helps them overcome stress.
-They may feel the need to organize their belongings in a structured way. Children with autism often line up their toys, organizing them by size or color.
To be an advocate for people with autism, you need to be knowledgeable with enough facts to educate people who may be unaware of the condition. You may find that having an organized and concise data set will help you better explain the complex world of people with autism to the general public.