Supporting people with autism

If you have ever had a moment when you had so many people talking to you or so much noise and confusion coming at you at one time, that you thought one more word was going to send you screaming from the room, then maybe you can sympathize with what is often a normal experience for people with autism spectrum disorder.

April is World Autism Awareness Month and for the many people living with this disability, encountering someone who has taken the time to educate themselves about how ASD affects their lives and ability to communicate can be life-changing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

With ASD, no specific medical test can diagnose it and there is often nothing in the way a person looks to set him or her apart. Instead, doctors must look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis which often takes years to confirm. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the sooner early intervention treatment services can provide therapies for learning important developmental skills that someone without ASD acquires naturally as they grow and mature.

Autism can cause problems with developing emotional, social, and communication skills and lead to inappropriate behavior. Language delays or the inability to speak cause difficulties communicating their needs. Those experiencing sensory disorders can have a hypersensitivity to sounds, light or other stimuli that would not bother someone with average senses. For a nonverbal person or someone with delays in language skills, their behavior is often their only way of communicating.

Other issues people with ASD can have affect the way they act or learn. Some people experience repeated behaviors or motions. These can be a coping method or involuntary response to stressors or stimuli. While we know that everyone is different and grows and learns at their own pace, people with ASD often stand out with different ways of learning, reacting to things or how they pay attention. This can affect their ability to learn in a regular classroom environment.

For many, dealing with changes in their daily routines and activities can lead outbursts or breakdowns in communication. These responses can lead people to assume the child just needs a good spanking, because they are screaming or “pitching a fit” for lack of a better way to communicate. As a person with ASD ages, there may be fewer tantrums, but they can still have “flight” issues or literally shut down when faced with changes or difficulties understanding directions.

Gaining knowledge about autism can help people learn to better understand others who do not respond to the world the same way as they do. It can break down barriers to friendships and help us to see the value in every person even when they have trouble communicating it to us.

Therapies can help people with autism spectrum disorder develop life and communication skills but often even as adults they need a little extra compassion and assistance. Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs Guide, an online resource that helps students explore careers in behavioral analysis, has some tips for working with adults on the autism spectrum.

• Keeping calm and creating a peaceful work environment can prevent an autistic adult from panicking or becoming upset.

• Respecting their personal space and that many with sensory issues do not like to be touched can prevent problems.

• Some people with ASD are very verbal and can communicate easily but others will be uncomfortable or unable to express themselves, not forcing communication creates a safe space for interaction.

• Preparing them for any changes and preventing problems by being consistent will help you to avoid pitfalls and keep the lines of communication open.

If you would like to know more about autism spectrum disorder or how you can help families with a member diagnosed with ASD, visit the CDC website for valuable information and resources at https:// www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/ facts.html. For more information about our Extension programs and opportunities for families and youths, visit our website at https://www.uaex. uada.edu/. Follow our Garland County Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ garlandcountyextension.

Master Gardener information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month online. The meetings are open to the public, and guests are welcome. For more information, call the Extension office at 623-6841 or email Alex Dykes at adykes@uada.edu.

EHC information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call 623-6841 or email Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at acrane@uada.edu. Follow Alison on Facebook @garlandEGF and @Garland FCS, and EHC on Facebook @ GarlandCountyEHC.

4-H information

For information about Garland County 4-H Club membership or program benefits, contact Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, call 501623-6841, or email cmcafee@ uada.edu. More information is available at http://www.uaex. edu/garland.