How can you help Autistic Individuals?

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability that affects children from the age of three and may continue to adulthood. There are various reasons behind ASD, with the most common one being the changes in the brain. 

For most people, autistic kids look different. What makes autistic kids different is how they learn, behave, communicate and interact with others. These abilities vary significantly; some may be verbally strong, while others may have excellent non-verbal skills. Consulting with an autism specialist can help you understand your kids’ strengths and how you can help them.

If Autism is left untreated, the condition can worsen as they grow and enter adolescence. It is when they find it hard to maintain friendships, communicate with their family, or understand how they must behave in school or at work. As ASD worsens in individuals, they may also succumb to other conditions like Anxiety, Depression or Attention-Defecit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Therefore, it is crucial to seek support from the autism centre near you as early as possible to manage the condition effectively.

Though there is no treatment to cure autism, it is possible to control its symptoms with early intervention, proper treatment and therapy. To begin early intervention, parents are encouraged to consult with an autism psychologist at an autism centre near you.

Helping an Autistic Child

• When you speak to the child, call their name so they know you are addressing them. 
• Use simple language when you are conversing with them. 
• Talk slowly and clearly so that they can grasp the information correctly. 
• When communicating with your child, use simple gestures, maintain eye contact, and use pictures so they know what you are talking about. 
• Give your child some time to decipher and understand what you are saying. 

Helping an Autistic Adult

As challenging as it is to communicate with autistic children, so is to communicate with adults as well. You must understand that no two autistic people display similar symptoms, requiring you to be mindful when communicating with them. Consulting an autistic specialist can help identify the most effective communication strategies for autistic adults. 

However, you can also follow these simple steps and guidelines when engaging with an autistic adult: 

• Do not assume they have limited cognitive skills and communicate with them just like you would with any other adult; avoid treating them as a child. 
• Be clear and precise while delivering your information during interactions. Using slang or nuance can confuse them, and not clearly understand what you are trying to say. 
• When conversing with an autistic individual, take time and listen to them.
• Once you have asked them a question, give them time to respond. An autistic individual may take more time to decipher and process the information. 
• Autistic adults may not communicate appropriately at all times. At times like this, you must provide non-judgemental feedback on why that particular conversation was inappropriate and ensure they don’t repeat it in the future. 

Identifying signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The initial signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder occur during early childhood, often when a child is around 2-3 years of age (it can appear earlier or later as well). We can categorise these symptoms into:

• Communicative and interactive Symptoms
• Pattern and Behavioural symptoms
• Other Symptoms

Communicative and Interactive Symptoms

Autistic individuals can display many communicative and interactive symptoms. These symptoms vary in different individuals and age groups. 

Pattern and Behavioural Symptoms

Autistic individuals also exhibit symptoms related to body patterns and behaviour. The pattern and the behavioural symptoms may include: 

• Rocking, flapping their arms, spinning, running back and forth. 
• Arrange objects (toys, blocks, books) in a strict order.
• Continuously repeating words and phrases they hear from others. 
• They get distraught over small changes in a pattern or arrangement. 
• They focus on objects like the wheel of a toy car or a doll’s hair. 
• Obsessive interests.
• Talented in activities like music and has a sharp memory. 

Other Symptoms

Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, there are other symptoms that some autistic individuals exhibit, which are:

• Delayed movements, speaking and cognitive skills
• Seizures
• Gastrointestinal issues like constipation or diarrhoea
• Excessive worry and stress
• Unusual levels of fear (overly high or low) in the given situation.
• Exhibiting hyperactiveness, inattentiveness, and impulsive behaviour. 
• Unexpected emotional behaviours
• Unusual eating habits and sleep patterns

Myths and Facts Surrounding Autism

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding Autism. It is crucial to understand the key facts about this condition to meet all the necessary needs of an autistic individual. 

1.  Myth: “Children with autism spectrum disorders lack ‘Theory of mind’ abilities, making it impossible for them to sympathise with others.”

Fact: The relationship-based affect approach in psychology addresses the child’s personal needs. This approach will help in developing their linguistic and cognitive skills. 

2. Myth: “Autism is a biological disorder that is inherited.”

Fact: Multiple factors like environmental, psychological, and social lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

3. Myth: “Autism can be cured.”

Fact: Presently, there is no treatment for autism. However, with potential and early intervention, people with autism can achieve much better results and develop to their full potential.