Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum is a lifelong condition which affects how a person communicates, interacts, and relates to other people. It also affects how the individual sees and understands the world around them.
Asperger Syndrome is a form of Autism and people on the spectrum is often considered to have an above average level of intelligence but faces difficulties with social interaction. They also develop a very specific interest in a particular topic or subject.
The challenges
People on the spectrum might face difficulties in the following areas:
Communication:
- Delay in speech development
- Monotonous or flat-sounding speech
- Communicating in single words rather than sentences
- Frequently repeating set words or phrases
- Being unable to understand sarcasm, jokes, or figures of speech
Social Interaction:
- Can appear to have little interest in others
- Being unaware of people’s personal space
- Prefer to be alone
- Not making eye contact
Social Imagination:
- Does not understand what others are thinking or feeling
- Find difficult to show and receive affection
They are also likely to adopt some Repetitive Behaviour:
- Repetitive movements, such as rocking backwards and forwards, flapping their hands or flicking their fingers
- Difficulty in adapting to sudden changes of routine
- Dislike of certain foods based on the texture, colour, and taste
Sensory Processing Difficulties:
People on the Autism Spectrum might be over or under sensitive to light, sound, taste, smell, or touch. This is also known as:
Hypersensitivity: Experience stimulation more intensely
Hyposensitivity: Under sensitive to stimulation
Autism is a spectrum condition which means it will affect individuals in different ways. At Bensham Resource Centre, each User will have a PCP (Person Centred Plan).
Raising Awareness
Bensham Resource Centre is committed to raise autism awareness in the community:
- People with Autism must live happy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
- People with Autism must be able to access the support they need.
- People with Autism must live in a society that understands and accepts them.
- People with Autism must be involved in their community and not just in services for autistic people.
NAS Link – autism.org.uk
