Managing Autism - A Personal View

When people initially hear the word autism, it is often the more classic form of autism that they associate with.  From our experience it is uncommon for people to link autism to it’s higher functioning forms, or even recognise that autism covers a range of conditions across a spectrum.

Jack’s diagnosis sits most comfortably with the condition known as Aspergers Syndrome.  In one of our very early posts we discuss Jack’s diagnosis and how his characteristics fit into the autism spectrum.

Jack’s diagnosis was made during his year at Preschool, after we had already delayed his Preschool year due to his need for further social and emotional development.  Looking back we started to see the signs very early on.  But whilst we recognised differences in Jack’s development compared to other children, we really didn’t make any connection to a condition of any sort until things got to breaking point with how he was coping in his every day environment.  And even then we only made a connection to autism because we really ‘pushed hard’ for answers.

An article we found in the American Chronicle outlines the signs of Aspergers Syndrome, and comments on the fact that often Aspergers Syndrome is first noticed when a child starts school.  We ourselves were able to associate with this, and we felt that maybe this is because of the fact that Aspergers sits at the high functioning end of the autism spectrum and is such an ‘unknown’ in the wider community.

We still struggle all the time trying to get people to understand the condition, and we wonder at just how often this condition is overlooked in the community and school systems simply because people aren’t aware that it exists, or if they do know of Aspergers Syndrome they find it difficult to recognise the signs.

Before Jack’s diagnosis we had come up against people simply telling us that there were ‘behavioural and hyperactivity issues’.  Now we can see Jack for who he is - but how many other children may also be facing ‘behavioural and hyperativity issues’ without people really understanding the depth of the child.

It is our hope that one day people will not only understand autism for what it is - but also understand the spectrum as it is, and all that it presents us with.

All too often we look at and talk about the challenging aspects of people with Aspergers Syndrome.  But the positive qualities of a person with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) are endless.  The following are just a few of the wonderful traits that you are likely to find in a person with AS.

A person with AS will see a task through to completion - particularly if it is within an area of interest to them.  They will be dedicated and committed, working on regardless of whatever else is happening around them.

A person with AS will be extemely loyal.  If you have a friend with AS, you will likely have them for life, and they will stand by you and look out for you always.

A person with AS will be highly observant.  They ask questions constantly (again, particularly if they are interested in a topic) and as such will always be learning and discovering new things.

A person with AS will usually display an incredible attention to detail.  They will remember the things that most people forget, and whatever field of work they may be involved in, will usually produce amazing results.

A person with AS will usually be rational rather than emotional.  They will always be the one who is calm in a crisis.  They think logically and with reason.

It is often easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life, but there are many wonderful and positive aspects of having Aspergers Syndrome - we just need to appreciate them more often!

Autism is steadily increasing as a reality for more and more families, with growing numbers of children being diagnosed with the disorder all the time.  The current figure being around one in every 150 children.

Autism covers a spectrum of conditions (hence the term Autism Spectrum Disorder).  Classic autism is often easy to pick and therefore diagnosed very early, but other types of autism might be harder to pinpoint.  However there are some basic signs that parents can look for during the early years of life if they suspect something might be different with their child.

• The child may display difficulties with behaviors such as eye-to-eye contact, facial expression, body postures, and other gestures required for social interaction.  They may fail to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level and there may be a lack of seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.  The child may also prefer to be alone or may not respond to others emotionally.
• The child may be delayed, or totally lacking in the development of spoken language.  Children who develop adequate speech, may struggle to initiate or sustain a conversation with others.  They may use stereotyped and repetitive language or odd language.  The child may find varied, spontaneous make-believe play difficult (or it may be non-existant) or their social play may be inappropriate to developmental level.
• The child may be totally preoccupied with one or more restricted pattern of interest - the interest would be abnormally intense or focussed.  They may lack interest in the typical things that children their age would likely be involved or interested in.
• The child may have specific routines or rituals and be very inflexible to change (change often resulting in tantrums).
• The child may display repetitive motor mannerisms such as hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements.  They may also display patterned manipulation of toys, or perhaps preoccupation with parts of objects.
• The child may react unusually to stimulus. The reaction could be either overly severe or there may be no reaction at all.
• The older child will generally have a short attention span, and is often uninterested in pleasing the teacher at school.

The degree to which children display the signs outlined vary significantly.  And regardless of when parents notice that a child has some of the signs, it is important to seek help from a medical professional qualified to give a diagnosis.

There are many programs and treatments available that can help autistic children overcome some of the difficulties they face, and the earlier this is noticed and diagnosed the better.  Early diagnosis and treatment will often lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle for all.