Autism (ASD)

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop. With the right approach, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing (autism.org.uk)

 

Some people with autism may experience a need for sameness or familiarity that can lead to them having, unusually strong interests and/or rigid behaviour. Autism is also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Autism has had various different names in the past (e.g. Asperger’s, classic autism).

 

There are lots of approaches and strategies that can help young people with autism and their families manage the difficulties associated with autism. Ensuring that a child with autism has the right support in educational settings and that their social, emotional, and behavioural needs are well understood across settings is essential. 

​

Neuro-affirming practice is a relatively new healthcare approach that aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for people with neurodivergent differences. It's based on the idea that people have different abilities and ways of interacting with the world, and that these differences are natural and not deficits that need to be fixed. The goal is to provide support and adaptations that affirm a person's neurodivergent identity. 

Here are some examples of neuro-affirming practices: 

• Create an inclusive environment

  Focus on creating a learning environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and interests, and supports their needs. 

• Acknowledge differences

  Recognize that all children have different strengths, interests, and needs, and that all brain types are equal in value. 

• Provide tailored support

  Offer support that's attuned to each person's specific needs, and help them understand their feelings and identify calming strategies. 

• Promote autonomy

  Allow young people to take the lead, and reflect with them when they're calm to help them gain autonomy and better understand themselves. 

• Improve the person-environment fit

  Draw on the social model of disability and adapt environments to make them more accessible. 

• Have real interactions

  Focus on building relationships with students by asking them about their interests and passions, and not just testing their communication skills

 

Everyone’s experience of autism is different. The ‘Amazing Things Happen’ video by Alexander Amelines provides an interesting and useful explanation of autism. This can be accessed via You Tube and can be found in several different languages. There are also additional episodes which look at diversity, communication, perception, behaviour and strengths.

​​

​