Understanding individuals with autism
Each person on spectrum has different strengths, weaknesses
In recognition of World Autism Month, Talk of the Town reporter SIBULELE MTONGANA (SM) interviews Port Alfred based occupational therapist (OT), PIPPA LANGLEY (PL).
SM: What is autism?
PL: Autism, also known as ASD, is a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions that affect the brain and the nervous system. ASD is considered a spectrum, which means that each person with ASD has unique strengths and abilities and requires different levels and types of support. The impact of ASD on the brain and nervous system can be positive, negative, and sometimes both.
There are four big areas of differences in autism:
1. Sensory: Examples are extremely fussy eating; the use of repetitive movement such as hand flapping to self-regulate; and meltdowns.
2. Communication difficulties: these can include delayed speech development, repeating the words of others, and difficulties in finding and organising words in sentences.
3. Repetitive actions and restricted interests: people with autism prefer routine, and changes and transitions from one activity to the next are hard. Children with autism often line up toys and play games the same way.
4. Social differences: Adults and children who are autistic sometimes lack eye contact. Children with autism may struggle playing with children the same age and may instead prefer playing with older or younger children. Conversations can be difficult.
SM: What causes autism?
PL: No one knows the exact cause of autism, but ongoing research aims to uncover the condition’s underlying factors.
SM: Is it necessary for all individuals with autism to receive support or intervention?
PL: It is important to consider the individual, their family, and the community they live in when assessing the severity of a condition. If you are not sure about the severity of the condition or how to support someone with autism, it is best to consult a medical professional. They can properly assess the person and provide recommendations for their specific needs.
SM: In general, what kind of support is available?
PL: There are different types of therapy and medical interventions available to help manage the condition.
Individualised support for people with ASD can include OT for sensory needs, speech and language therapy for communication difficulties, and psychology for addressing repetitive and possible obsessive behaviours.
When searching for therapy or other types of support for your child, it’s important to look for therapists who will treat your child with respect and dignity. They should allow your child (or you) to make choices, respect sensory differences, and work on regulation rather than just behaviour in order to support you and your child.
Additionally, the therapist should focus on identifying and utilising your child’s strengths related to their neurodiversity.
SM: In Ndlambe, what kinds of support are available for autistic people?
PL: Our community is becoming more aware and supportive of people with autism. We have many knowledgeable GPs in Ndlambe who can link you up with a variety of services.
At the Port Alfred Hospital, there are several available services including OT, speech therapy, physiotherapists, dieticians, and social workers.
We also have excellent psychologists in our area whom your GP can refer you to. At the Child and Family Care Centre, you can find a diverse group of professionals who are available to provide you with the help and support you need.
In addition to local health practitioners who are supporting people with autism, I’ve met teachers in our different schools, as well as private tutors, who are going the distance for these children in their classes. There’s a real shift happening.
SM: Sometimes families of autistic people need support. What kind of support is available for them — in general, and here in Ndlambe?
PL: Families of autistic people are affected and often need support themselves to continue in their supportive role: psychologists will be able to help in this regard. Autism SA is a wonderful resource for information on autism.
SM: Are/were there famous people who are/were autistic?
PL: Many people in my field believe that Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci had autism, but there is no definitive proof of this.
Clay Marzo, a professional surfer from Hawaii, was diagnosed with autism in 2007. He has always felt that there was something different about him, and he is intensely focused on his sport. During competitions, he can often be seen rubbing his hands together quickly, which is a form of stimming that is common among autistic people.
Nandi Madida, a media personality and singer, recently shared on Instagram about the confusion and emotional weight she experiences as a mother to two children, one with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the other with autism.
SM: Why do we need autistic people?
PL: I love this question! We need to change our view of people with autism and see the important contribution these individuals can bring to our community.
Generally, individuals with autism tend to have a heightened attention to detail, which results in increased focus and concentration. They also possess exceptional memory and recall abilities, allowing them to notice small changes when editing documents or analysing data. Additionally, they often exhibit unique problem-solving skills, such as thinking outside the box and having strong analytical abilities.
Their heightened sensory perception can lead to an enhanced awareness of their surroundings and a greater appreciation for beauty and patterns. Furthermore, individuals with autism may showcase exceptional creativity and imagination, often with unique perspectives and ideas, and have a deep passion for their interests.
Lastly, they tend to be empathetic and compassionate individuals in a black-and-white, all-or-nothing way. This means that they will be clear as to where you stand. Although they struggle with social interactions, they still want to make genuine and authentic connections with others, and advocate for justice and equality.
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