This document provides an overview of autism, including definitions, history, characteristics, and ways to support those with autism. It defines autism as a lifelong developmental disability that affects social skills and communication. Key points discussed include common traits such as difficulties with social interaction and imagination. The document highlights how autism manifests differently in each person and debunks common stereotypes. It emphasizes the importance of treating those with autism with respect, dignity, and effective communication.
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1. Making a difference together:
Understanding autism
Antony Davenport
Advocate, Asist Advocacy Services
Staffordshire
reach@asist.co.uk
2. The aims are to:
Introduce autism
Provide specific information about autism:
definitions
history
demographics
Explore the associated characteristics,
abilities, symptoms and challenges
Highlight how good healthcare for
someone with autism can be achieved
Introduction
3. Definitions of autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability
that affects how a person communicates with,
and relates to, other people. It also affects how
they make sense of the world around them.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition
that affects social interaction, communication,
interests and behaviour. It includes Asperger
syndrome and autism.
5. In this PowerPoint presentation, Autism is used to describe:
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Autistic Spectrum Condition
Aspergers Syndrome
Autistic Spectrum Difference and,
Neuro-Diversity.
Different terms to describe autism
6. 1943 Leo Kanner An Austrian Psychiatrist.
Leo Kanner first used the term Autism when he studied 11
children within his clinic and recognised that they had a similar
group of behaviours from childhood like:
Aloneness and a Lack of emotional contact
Bizarre and elaborate repetitive routines
Muteness, and what he described as
Abnormal speech.
History and background of autism
7. 1944 Hans Asperger An Austrian Paediatrician.
Hans Asperger noticed a similar pattern
of behaviours in the children he studied
like:
Intense interest in particular subjects
Inappropriate social approaches to
other people
Poor co-ordination and lack of common sense
Good grammar but monotone speech, and also no two way
conversation.
History and background of autism
8. What we now understand by the term autism
Autism affects how a person communicates with, and
relates to other people, and how people make sense of
the world around them
No one knows exactly what causes autism , but the core
idea is that the brain of someone with autism functions
differently, receiving and processing information in a
different way (Forrester-Jones, 2014)
Autism is a spectrum condition which means there are lots
of different ways that autism can affect individuals.
9. What we now understand by the term autism
Autism manifests in many different ways. Everyone is unique
with their own abilities, talents, challenges and symptoms.
10. What we now understand by the term autism
People with autism are the same, and
can have other conditions too, such as
a learning disability, mental health
challenges, OCD, ADHD and Dyspraxia.
In the general population, many people
have co-morbidities (i.e. more than one
health condition at any one time)
11. What we now understand by the term autism
The amount of support therefore, that
individuals may require can vary from
constant to occasional
Autism is a lifelong, developmental condition that affects
the brain and its functions
Autism not only affects the person but the people around
them like their family, friends and carers.
Support Lifelong Condition Family/Friends/Carers
12. What we know about autism: Facts and Figures
The number of children known to have autism has
increased dramatically since the 1980s due to changes
in diagnostic practice, yet many people still remain
undiagnosed and without support
It is estimated that at least 4 times more males
than females are diagnosed with autism,
and around a third of people with a
learning disability may also have autism.
Autism affects about 700,000 people in the
United Kingdom, which equates to 1:100 of the
population (National Autistic Society, 2014).
13. What we know about autism: Facts and figures
Autism affects communication. The brain
sees things differently, and it works differently
The cause of autism is not known and there
is no cure
Autism can affect anyone, anywhere in the world.
All people with autism share a difficulty making
sense of the world
Autism affects all and does not discriminate across
sex, ethnic origin, country or class.
15. Characteristics of autism
People with autism generally experience three main areas of
difficulty:
1. Social Communication,
2. Social Interaction and,
3. Social Imagination.
16. Social communication is where people with autism have
difficulties understanding:
Facial expressions
Tone of voice
Common gestures
Eye contact
Body language and,
Giving and receiving verbal and
non-verbal communication.
1. Social Communication
17. Social interaction is where people with autism struggle with:
Understanding their own and other peoples
feelings and emotions
Forming relationships and making friends.
People can appear aloof, indifferent and withdrawn.
2. Social Interaction
18. Social imagination is where people
with autism have difficulties
comprehending:
Abstract concepts and ideas
Peoples actions, emotions,
behaviours and consequences
Solutions to life outside of
their routines.
3. Social Imagination
20. Stereotyping is a way of thinking about everyone in a group
as being the same or similar. People with autism are not all
the same and do not always exhibit these traits:
Have incredible talents like savants, and everyone like
Rain man having special abilities in math's and art
Rock back and forth and shake their hands
Weird and unusual because not like everyone else
Disruptive intentionally
Badly behaved individual
They are all disabled.
Stereotypes
21. Have a low mental capacity (many people with autism
have capabilities that match or exceed their age)
Little or no ability to talk
Distant and in their own world
Are all child like.
Never rely on stereotypes as everyone is unique and has the
right to be accepted and valued for who they are.
Stereotypes
22. Albert Einstein He had an obsession with physics
(his interest). Albert Einstein also had a lack of
social empathy and a lack of tact
Mozart Repeated facial expressions and constant
movement of his hands. Mozart also had very
sensitive hearing
Isacc Newton Not good at making or keeping
friends. Isacc Newton also relied constantly on
routines, also he used to forget to eat.
Isacc Newton was also not interested in people.
People with autism are in good company
People from the past with suspected autism:
23. People with autism are in good company
Theoretical Physicist:
Dr Sheldon Lee Cooper B.S., M.S., M.A.,
Ph.D., Sc.D.
Capacity to remember complex information and
solve mathematical problems
Photographic memory
Doesnt like hugs or physical contact
Fictional television character from The Big Bang Theory
24. Fiercely guarding his spot on the couch or
Strict routines about what he eats on each day and
having particular pajamas for each night of the week
Doesnt like change and struggles to adapt
Sheldon struggles to pick up sarcasm in conversation and
most non-verbal cues.
People with autism are in good company
26. Just because
someone is a
professional doesnt
mean they understand
the day to day life of
someone with the
condition.Seen as aggressive
and bad as people do
not understand them
and their condition.
Autism is a spectrum
condition, preferred now
as I don't like the word
disorder as it feels like it
puts people down.
A person is a person,
respect the person
not the condition. No-one is the same,
everyone is unique.
People are proud of
the condition.
Quotes from the autism Focus Group 04/07/2014 -AD
27. Treatment with respect
and dignity.
Getting good
healthcare is important
for everyone whether
you have got a learning
disability or not.
Arrange effective
communication on
admission.
Involve carers, be
patient.
People who work in
health services should
care about what they are
doing for their patients.
Things should be better
for everyone.
Good healthcare for everyone
28. What you can do to help someone with autism
Speak clearly in short sentences using
plain language
Give the individual time to process the
information that they are asked
Be patient, give them time and do not
rush them
A persons frustrations and anger may
come from their fear and anxiety
Talk to family and carers to find out
about the person
29. Be prepared to explain complex
information and repeat it often
Support the person and prepare them
for change
Be mindful of the importance of their
routines and structure, it makes them
feel safe and secure
Everyone is unique, accept difference
and do not discriminate.
What you can do to help someone with autism
30. References and further information
www.autistica.org.uk
www.autism.org.uk -National Autistic Society
www.nhs.uk NHS Choices
www.bbc.co.uk/science
Forrester-Jones, R. (2014). Loss and people with autism.
IN: S. Read (edit)(2014). Supporting people with
intellectual disabilities experiencing loss and
bereavement: Theory and compassionate p. London:
Jessica Kingsley Publ.
Reach Focus Group quotes 04/07/2014.
Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent Adults Autism Strategy
2013 2016.