Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder where the brains pathways are formed differently when compared to the predominantly neurotypical (normal people). The disorder was first classified by Kanner in the 1970's. As the understanding of Autism developed so did the definition and classification. To this day there is no definitive cause of Autism, there is only probable causes such as genetics. Genetics only increase chances of Autism when a parent has Autism their children are more likely to have it as well. There are forms of Autism such as Aspergers which has different signs than Kanners form of Autism, all of these come under the umbrella of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
ASD is a spectrum where people who have the diagnosis can range in severity and co-morbidities. There has been a multitude of literature written about Autism as more is known and understood about the condition. There have been different theories about the cause of Autism many of which have been disproved. These range from the MMR vaccine and 'refrigerator' mothers which essentially puts the blame on the mothers for not showing enough affection to their children.
Autism is not the same day to day for each person but changes depending on the person’s mood and the environment that they are in. Autism can add to anxiety as it impacts on how a person reacts to a situation. With autistics in can include pre-event stress and post-event stress as well as stress from the event itself. As autism cannot be taken away it is the environment that must be changed to reduce the anxiety. Someone with autism may not need support all the time but might have a period that they need support for most of the day.
‘We are simply individuals who need our weaknesses supported, our strengths recognised, and our abilities encouraged.’ (Page 66, Hoopmann, 2013). This is a great quote for autism as autistics can be great employees as they can rely on order and routine allowing them to function better with the world. People with autism can be highly skilled with their interests whether practical or not. Those who become well known for their special talents are the more able autistics. The majority of autistic people remain unknown to the world at large which is not a bad thing as autistics tend to prefer being out of the spotlight as that can be a significant cause of stress for them.
There are a variety of organisations and support available for people on the spectrum and their families. This support becomes limited for adults but is slowly improving as people push for change and understanding.
ASD is a spectrum where people who have the diagnosis can range in severity and co-morbidities. There has been a multitude of literature written about Autism as more is known and understood about the condition. There have been different theories about the cause of Autism many of which have been disproved. These range from the MMR vaccine and 'refrigerator' mothers which essentially puts the blame on the mothers for not showing enough affection to their children.
Autism is not the same day to day for each person but changes depending on the person’s mood and the environment that they are in. Autism can add to anxiety as it impacts on how a person reacts to a situation. With autistics in can include pre-event stress and post-event stress as well as stress from the event itself. As autism cannot be taken away it is the environment that must be changed to reduce the anxiety. Someone with autism may not need support all the time but might have a period that they need support for most of the day.
‘We are simply individuals who need our weaknesses supported, our strengths recognised, and our abilities encouraged.’ (Page 66, Hoopmann, 2013). This is a great quote for autism as autistics can be great employees as they can rely on order and routine allowing them to function better with the world. People with autism can be highly skilled with their interests whether practical or not. Those who become well known for their special talents are the more able autistics. The majority of autistic people remain unknown to the world at large which is not a bad thing as autistics tend to prefer being out of the spotlight as that can be a significant cause of stress for them.
There are a variety of organisations and support available for people on the spectrum and their families. This support becomes limited for adults but is slowly improving as people push for change and understanding.
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