What is Autism
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Unique way of thinking
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person’s brain develops and functions. It is not a disease or disorder - it is about difference. Social Skills
Due to the difference in brain processing and how we see the world, this may lead to social issues. Often it is more about not being able to relate and understand how others say or
do things. We often end up preferring our own company as it becomes too overwhelming. Strengths and Interests
Autistic people have a unique ability to hyper focus on an interest or topic and can be highly motivated when in the flow of this information. Using this special interest in teaching
can assist the autistic person to be motivated on task and develop their abilities. |
Sensory processing
For many autistic people their senses are heightened, whether it is sound, sight, touch, taste etc. This can cause sensory overload, and it can affect the person in different ways. Sensory issues can override our daily functions.
Executive function issues
Executive functioning in the brain is like the CEO a of company - organising all the other sections to get to a common goal. Many people lack one or more components of executive, or process things differently and this can affect everyday tasks.
Co-occuring issues
Although not caused by each other, many diagnoses are co occurring with autism, these can range but are not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyslexia etc. Often a diagnosis can be blurred by other underlying
issues. |