Autism Spectrum Disorder: what are the challenges?
We’ve all heard the term autism, but what does this mean exactly? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.2 Autism causes social, communicative, learning and behavioural challenges; as every autistic person is unique so are the challenges that they face. This column is meant to provide an overview to help further understand this condition, and perhaps break the stigma associated with autism.
Social interactions can be
challenging
Interacting socially may be difficult for autistic people. For some, it is the inability to speak (or nonverbal communication); for others, it is the inability to pick up on social cues. But, in some cases, a non-verbal autistic person may have better social skills than someone who speaks well. It is a person’s level of self-awareness and ability to process emotions that affect his or her ability to interact well. An autistic person might also not recognize or understand social situations. For instance, he or she may only talk about his or her interests or be withdrawn.
The ability to process emotions may also be different for autistic people. For example, they may misunderstand or misinterpret their own emotions and those of others; they could even feel overwhelmed and then overreact.3
Hypersensitivity versus
hyposensitivity
Sensory issues are common in autistic people. You might have heard the terms hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Many autistic people have a combination of both.
Hypersensitivity is an overresponsiveness to stimuli. In this instance, the brain registers stimulation with too much intensity. This may be triggered by bright lights, certain sounds, and smells, tastes, textures that are too intense. Reactions to hypersensitivity may include isolating oneself, avoiding certain materials, pulling away from a touch; this is referred to as sensory avoidance.
Hyposensitivity is an underresponsiveness to stimuli. As opposed to hypersensitivity, people who are hyposensitive will engage in sensory seeking, trying to get more sensory input from their surroundings. This may include making loud noises, being attracted to bright colours and lights, rocking, and touching objects or people.4
Co-occurring physical and mental
conditions
Autism Spectrum Disorder is often accompanied by other conditions that may affect a person’s physical and mental health. Physical conditions may include epilepsy, hypotonia, sleep disorders, digestive issues, uncommon responses to pain and problems with metabolism, or how the body breaks down food for energy. Mental conditions can include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).6
Communication tips
Since every autistic person is unique there is not one go-to communication tip. But, as you would when speaking to anyone, make a consistent effort to ensure you have the person’s attention. For instance, always use the person’s name so that he or she knows who you are addressing. Also, make sure that the person is attentive prior to asking a question or giving an instruction.
Be open to different modes of communication. An autistic person may use facial expressions, gestures
and body language to communicate with you, so it is crucial to listen with your eyes.5
This is the second of two articles by Townshippers’ Association that aims to increase autism awareness. If you missed the first article “Autism Spectrum Disorder” that appeared in The Record in March 2024, you can email me at sl@townshippers. org and I will send you a copy. Have questions or concerns about this article, or would like help finding local resources to support you? Please contact Townshippers’ at 819-5665717.
References:
1. Autism Speaks Canada. April is autism month.
https://www.autismspeaks.ca/ world-autism-month/ Accessed: March 2024.
2. Autism Speaks Canada. What is autism? https://www.autismspeaks. ca/what-is-autism/# Accessed: March 2024.
3. Autisme Canada. Autism Explained.https://autismcanada. org/autism-explained/early-signscharacteristics/. Accessed: March 2024.
4. Autism Speaks Canada. Sensory Issues. https://www. autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues. Accessed March 2024
5. National Autistic Society. Communication tips. https://www. autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/ topics/communication/tips. Accessed March 2024
6. Government of Canada. Autism: About, causes and cooccuring conditions. https://www. canada.ca/en/public-health/services/ diseases/autism-spectrum-disorderasd.html. Accessed March 2024
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