What is Autism?
Autism is a neurotype that affects an individuals interpretation of the world, how they think and process information, how they communicate, how they learn, and how they behave. Autistic children may demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics:
Advanced knowledge in specific interests
Gestalt language processing (1)
Desire for independence
Preference for music or melody; Acute sense of pitch
Observant to details and differences (notices small changes)
May master higher level skills earlier than expected (alphabet knowledge, reading, math, etc.)
Strong affinity toward choices and preferences
Exceptional memory
Unique sensory profile
heightened awareness of sounds and/or smells
preference for deep pressure or other proprioceptive input
vestibular sensory seekers (falling, spinning)
drawn to visual sensory experiences (light, spinning, etc.)
awareness of textures
Preference for repetition, sameness/routine
Deep focus on areas of interest
Feels emotions intensely
The DSM-5 characterized autism by differences in
Language and socialization
Restricted/repetitive behaviors
Autism can range from requiring “very substantial support” to “requiring support”
Next Steps
Seeing their strengths
It’s important to understand the many strengths of autism. Too often, the focus is on the struggles that autistic families face. By focusing on strengths that are a part of autism you can build on those to mitigate the challenges.
Gaining an understanding of how an autistic child sees the world can help to connect with the child and better understand and communicate with them.
Building a team
Ensure all team members are on the same page with the above idea
Speech therapists can help children develop communication skills
Occupational therapists can help support your child’s fine motor skills and sensory needs
Physicians can be helpful to address a variety of needs (Gastrointestinal, Sleep Challenges) and should be knowledgeable about autism
Team members should collaborate and therapy should include parent participation or training to ensure carryover
Setting goals
Focus on goals that will improve your and your child’s life rather than a checklist. Ask yourself WHY this change needs to be made; for the benefit of your child or the benefit of others?
Connecting and laughing can be a goal to support your child’s development. Ensure trust and work on emotional-regulation before diving into new goals.
Don’t forget to focus on self-advocacy and child’s choice (don’t forget to teach “no”)
If behaviors need to be extinguished because they are harmful to your child or others, be sure to provide replacement behaviors that fulfill the same need. Head banging may be serving a vestibular or proprioceptive need. Provide deep pressure replacements, spinning opportunities or another action that fulfills the need.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/23969415221091928https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1745691620958010
