Autism Awareness

Making sense of the puzzle

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Introduction The term Autism covers a vast range or spectrum of abilities and difficulties.

Aims & Objectives

By the end of this presentation you should be able to:

§  Highlight the difficulties involved in diagnosis.

§  Look at the possible signs & symptoms.

§  Recognize challenging behaviors.

§  Identify possible risks.

§  Suggest support strategies

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What is Autism ?

Social Skills Communication

Skills

Ritualistic Behaviours These are behaviors that not only restrict everyday ability and experiences, they also include repetitive behaviors that are similar to OCD

What is Autism ?

Autism is a developmental disorder that causes problems in three different areas of ability

Ritualistic

Behaviours

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Current Definitions

Autism I, II & III

Asperger’s Syndrome

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Autism

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Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome

can effect a person’s

§ Behaviour

§ Use of Language

§ Ability to communicate

§ Social interactions

In the UK and USA, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed as being

on the Autistic Spectrum

There has been a 30% increase in the number

of children diagnosed with Autism since

the 2012 statistics

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Possible Causes of Autism

.       

Only 1 in 10 people

Genetics ?

PCB (Polychlorinated

Biphenyls) ?

Pesticides and other pollutants ?

Neurology ? Lack of Vitamin E?

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Myths

Fact or Myth ?

MYTH

Tantrums

MYTH

Don’t want

Friendships

MYTH

Good at Maths

MYTH

Have no feelings

MYTH

Lack Creativity

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Signs of Autism •  Social Interactions •  Repetitive speech •  Non-verbal skills •  Appear aloof. •  One sided talk •  Lack of eye contact •  Social/emotional •  Obsessions •  Movements •  Literal Interpretation •  Personal space •  Sensory issues www.dealwithautism.com

Autism and Females

Generallymorepassivethan

males.

Usuallysupportedby

theirneurotypicalpeers.

Lookoutforthesepersonalitytraits:• Obsessivetendencies• Fascinatedwithcertainsubjects• Mimicneurotypicalpeople• Getboredwithpeopleoftheirownage• Rarelyshowempathy

FemalescanexpresstheiremoConsinacalmermanner

Willwithdrawnratherthanbeaggressive

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•  The ability to spot errors

•  Directness in dealing with people

•  Honesty

•  Interesting viewpoints

•  Have areas of expertise

•  Reliable on routine tasks

•  Punctual & Conscientious

•  Will get on with tasks and less likely to chatter.

•  Thability

The Positive side of Autism

ThesecharacterisCcsaregeneralandwill

dependonpersonalityand

ability

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Itcananypartofthebodyaffect

“We cannot do everything…The cuts are so significant, we are going to have so few

officers that the public’s expectations are going to have to change.”

•  Stimming

Repe22vethroatclearing

HandFlappingorflicking

Repea2ngthesamewordor

sound

S2mming:repe22vemovement.Canbeassimpleas• asidewaysgazeOrasobviousas• runningincircles• jumpingandclapping• chewingonclothes• rockingbackandforth.

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Visual Learners

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Identified Behaviour Risks

Lackscommonsense

DislikesgeHngmessy

ChangestoRou2ne

Anxiouswhenannoyed.Cangetverballyabusive

Easilydistractedbystronginterests

Misreadsocialsitua2ons

Risk Factors together with

sensory overload can cause a Melt

Down.

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Support Tactics

CrystalClearinstruc2ons

AgreeaSafePlace

CardsoraScribe

Mentor

DiscusstheBoundaries

Watch your Language !

Canre-focuswithsupport

Advancewarningofany

changes

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Sensory Meltdown

HeightenedsensiCvityto:§ Sound§ Smell§ Taste§ Touch§ VisualsCmulus

CanresultinaSensoryMeltdown§ ItsnotaTantrum§ DifferentlevelsofsensiCvity§ Canfeeltrapped§ Shouldnotbepunishedfornotcoping

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Autism and Learning Difficulty LearningdifficulCescaninclude:§ Dyslexia§ ADHD§ ADDWhichcanleadto:§ FrustraCon§ Lowself-esteem§ Behaviourproblems

Between44%-52%ofpeoplewithauCsmmayhavealearningdisability.

Between48%-56%ofpeoplewithauCsmdonothavealearningdisability.

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Autism & Mental Health

MentalHealthDifficul2es§ AnxietyandDepression§ SleepDifficulCes§ BipolarDepression§ GeneralAnxietyDisorderBehaviouralProblems§ ObsessionalCompulsiveDisorder(OCD)§ InaYenConandHyperacCvity(ADD&ADHD)§ Seizures.§ Impulsivity

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AuCsmAlertcardisdesignedforolderchildrenandadults

TheCommunicaConandHospitalPassport

Sharing Information

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