Professional Documents
Culture Documents
autistic
spectrum
disorders
This booklet explains autistic spectrum disorders and
Asperger syndrome. It looks at the causes, the symptoms
and how a diagnosis is made. It also examines the
impact these problems can have on the individual and
their family, tells you what help is available for all
concerned and how you can access it.
? What is autism?
Its currently estimated that between one and five people in every
thousand could be affected. Of these, about 50 per cent may
also have severe learning disabilities, while about 20 per cent
have average or above average intelligence. Boys are three times
more likely to be affected than girls, but we dont yet understand
why. ASDs seem to be more common nowadays, but this is
probably because more people are aware of the condition and
health professionals are getting better at detecting it.
Communication
People with ASDs have difficulty with words and other ways of
expressing themselves, and some never develop any speech. It also
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affects their ability to understand what others are saying to them.
This can lead to great confusion, anxiety and frustration.
Body language, facial expression and other non-verbal ways of
communicating, can be just as puzzling to them, and may lead
them to behave inappropriately.
Social interaction
Its not surprising that communication difficulties bring problems
with social situations. Someone with a severe ASD may seem
completely withdrawn and uninterested in other people. In milder
cases, a person may not understand the unspoken rules of
certain social situations. Conversations can feel odd or one-sided,
and subtleties such as humour or teasing may be completely lost.
Most specialists now believe that ASDs are due to physical causes
in the brain, and not upbringing. Some research shows that
genetic factors play a part, and its likely that a number of different
conditions affect the brain development before, during or just
after birth.
Is there a cure? ?
Autism is a lifelong condition, for which there is no known cure.
However, there are many treatments and interventions, which
can greatly improve their quality of life, whatever peoples level
of disability.
People with ASDs are more likely than usual to experience mental
health problems. Given the problems they face each day, this
seems scarcely surprising. Social situations, changes in routine and
unstructured time provoke anxiety. Not being able to communicate
basic wants and needs or to understand what someones trying
to explain is frustrating, confusing and even frightening. Being
unable to talk about or make sense of all these extreme feelings
may lead people with ASDs to express themselves through
aggressive, self-injuring or similarly challenging behaviour.
Unfortunately, common problems such as anxiety disorders and
depression, which may result, often go unrecognised and
untreated, particularly if the person has severe learning disabilities.
Discuss any concerns with your health visitor or GP. If your child
is already in school, then talking to a teacher or school nurse may
be the first step. Many difficulties are picked up through childrens
regular developmental checks, but autistic features can often be
overlooked or misinterpreted. You may want to ask for a referral
to a specialist with expertise in ASDs. Pin down in what way you
feel your child is restricted, and having problems communicating
and socialising. Trust your parental instincts, but bear in mind
that doctors will rarely diagnose ASDs before a child is two or
three years old, even if you feel something isnt quite right.
Your family can also become part of the ASD community, which
can mean feeling less isolated. You may wish to join a local
support group or get information and advice from organisations
such as The National Autistic Society. (For details, see Useful
organisations, on p. 12.)
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What kind of support can I get? ?
On a very practical level, gaining a diagnosis of an ASD means you
can ask for appropriate services and support, including financial
support. In the first instance, you should contact the Benefit
Enquiry Line for information, advice and application packs. You
may be entitled to payments under The Carers and Disabled
Children Act 2000 or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Children on the middle or higher rate of DLA may be eligible
for Invalid Care Allowance. You may also be entitled to Income
Support, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit. Some voluntary
and charity organisations offer grants. (See p. 12.)
Services
Most areas have Community Learning Disability Teams, run by
Social Services and local Health Authorities. These usually include
psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists,
occupational therapists and community nurses. In some areas
there are also specialist teams, experienced in managing
challenging behaviour, who have expertise in ASDs. Residential
and day services, can offer both long and short-term placements.
These may be government-run or funded by private, voluntary
or charitable agencies. The quality varies considerably.
People with milder conditions and good verbal skills can join a
social skills training group to help them learn the rules of social
interaction, such as body language and how people take turns.
A speech and language therapist can help people with learning
disabilities find other ways of expressing themselves, for example
through a simple form of sign language called Makaton, or
through photos, pictures or symbol cards. Many places use objects
of reference to keep individuals informed, showing them a
wooden spoon when its time to do the cooking, or a flannel
for bath time, for instance.
References
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i Useful organisations
Mind
Mind is the leading mental health organisation in England and
Wales, providing a unique range of services through its local
associations, to enable people with experience of mental distress
to have a better quality of life. For more information about any
mental health issues, including details of your nearest local Mind
association, contact the Mind website: www.mind.org.uk or
MindinfoLine on 0845 766 0163.
Contact a Family
209211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN
tel. 020 7608 8700, web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Help and advice for families. Parent support groups
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Department of Health
Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NL
web: www.dh.gov.uk
Mencap
123 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0RT
tel. 020 7454 0454, web: www.mencap.org.uk
Helps people with learning disabilities, their families and carers
People First
3rd Floor, 299 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2TJ
tel. 020 7485 6660, web: www.peoplefirstltd.com
Self-advocacy organisation run by and for people with learning
difficulties
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Further reading
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