What is Autism?
Autism is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders described in the DSM-V. It is a condition, a permanent state, not a disease.
Autistic people face challenges in two main areas: in communication and social interaction, and in restricted or repetitive behaviors, activities and interests. That does not mean that they experience the same challenges or that all individuals are alike: it means that their autism-related struggles fall into these categories, to varying degrees and through distinct manifestations.
The notion of spectrum refers to this continuum of manifestations requiring different levels of support. In the DSM-V, the person’s need for support is defined by three levels:
- Requiring support
- Requiring substantial support
- Requiring very substantial support
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in two areas:
Communication and social interaction
- Unlike non-autistic people, reading non-verbal language is not innate
- No/little understanding of hidden meanings and subtext
- Difficulties in recognizing one’s own emotions and those of others
- The notion of empathy is not innate, but can still be acquired by certain people
Examples:
- Martine, aged 6, is nonspeaking and communicates using pictograms
- Paul, aged 15, doesn’t understand what’s implied when his teacher frowns while speaking
- Jean, aged 30, doesn’t realize that his colleagues are being sarcastic
- Alfred, aged 9, has a very robotic speech
Restricted or repetitive behaviors, activities and interests
- Restricted interests:
May have a great interest in a certain activity, a focused intelligence, may become an expert in a certain field but have little or no interest in other activities. - Repetitive behaviors:
May have sequences of gestures that are always the same, which they are obliged to perform in order to function.
May flap (shake hands on either side of body).
May hum, use echolalia or delayed echolalia, have established routine, etc.
Examples:
- Martine lines up all her dolls and stuffed toys during playtime. Paul is fascinated by things that spin: fans, propellers, wheels, etc.
- Jean rocks his body back and forth when he is happy or anxious.
- Alfred feels reassured when his mother serves him cereal every morning in the same bowl and with the same utensils.
- Restricted interests:
Martine, Paul, Jean and Alfred face various challenges, but all in the same areas: in communication and social interaction, and in restricted or repetitive behaviors, activities and interests. They experience traits across different levels on the autism spectrum.
Autism
- IS NOT a disease
- IS NOT contagious
- IS NOT curable
- IS NOT a behavioral disorder
- IS NOT always visible
- Is a CONDITION, you are BORN AUTISTIC, you can’t become autistic
- Is a PERMANENT state
- Is a NEUROLOGICAL DIFFERENCE in information processing
More info :
A Few Facts About Autism
Please note: like non-autistic people, autistic people:
- Have distinct characteristics and personality traits (can be generous, jealous, anxious, studious, etc.), may become ill (infectious disease, tumor, diabetes, etc.) and experience different types of challenges (insomnia, dyslexia, etc.) that are not necessarily related to autism.
- Have potential to develop strengths, face challenges, surpass expectations, etc.
- Evolve at their own pace throughout their lives thanks to a wide range of support.
- Are unique!
Words to Choose, Words to Avoid
Preferred:
- Autism: Autistic condition
- Being autistic: It’s a condition/a state
- An autistic person: We’re talking about an autistic person, an autistic child, etc.
Avoid:
DISEASE/HEALING/EPIDEMIC/SUFFER FROM AUTISM/
PERSON WITH AUTISM/A PERSON WITH AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
How to Help an Autistic Person
Each autistic person is unique, just as each person is unique. Building trust with the person is essential to: help them, understand their needs, support them in their day-to-day lives, and so on. It’s important that the person you’re trying to help has had time to get to know you and has placed their trust in you. It’s important not to rush the autistic person, but to go at their own pace, and always proceed step by step. It’s important to take the time to find out what the person wants, so you can help them meet their own needs. You have to put yourself in their shoes.
The importance of the environment
A suitable environment promotes the well-being of an autistic person: subdued lighting, muffled sounds, the possibility of retreating to a quiet corner without stimuli if the need arises.
Visual cues
Having visual cues to mark out the environment helps individuals to find their place in a space (e.g. a reading corner, a relaxation area, a play area, a dining area, etc.).
The use of visual aids (words, images, etc.) is very helpful with autistic people, as the information is processed more easily by the brain and with less interference (e.g. analysis of non-verbal communication, tone of voice, etc.).
Have a routine, a schedule
Establishing a routine greatly enhances availability and helps reduce anxiety. Knowing what to expect, being able to refer to a visual schedule throughout the day. The more predictable and established the schedule is, the more the person will be able to function independently or semi-autonomously in their daily life.
The schedule doesn’t have to be set for the whole day. Sometimes, planning a few of the same activities, at the same given times during the day, is enough for the person (e.g.: morning routine before leaving for school/work, evening routine before bed, etc.).
Living with Autism
Potential
Most autistic people are particularly logical and rational thinkers. They may be able to: concentrate for long periods of time on certain tasks, pay close attention to detail, invest a lot of time in understanding a subject that interests them, and can sometimes handle complex data.
Difficulties
Autistic individuals may display certain limitations in social communication and stereotypical/repetitive behaviors, as well as in particular interests. These features vary from person to person, meaning that all autistic people are different.
Relatives
Relatives (parents, siblings, life partners, etc.) can promote the well-being and integration of autistic people through various strategies. Those around them can spread information about autism, helping society better understand and adapt.
Services
Working with its partners, Autisme Estrie offers support, training and referral services.