Autism & Celebrating Neurodiversity

Autism is a difference in the way some people experience the world. An autistic child may process information about their surroundings differently from neurotypical children, which can impact how they interact with people around them.

Autism is a spectrum, which means that children can be affected to different degrees. However, the majority of autistic children will experience some challenges in the areas of communication, social interactions and imagination (flexibility of thought).

Autism affects more than one child in a hundred. And around four times as many boys as girls are likely to be diagnosed with autism (though this may reflect under-diagnosis in girls).

It is important to note that many autistic people do not need specific support, especially when within autism-friendly environments.

Examples of Autism Spectrum Behaviour:

Communication

• Echoing words/phrases without context
• Taking an adult to the biscuit tin rather than asking or pointing
• Taking language too literally

Social Interactions

• Often chooses to play alone
• Difficulty making friends
• Not understanding others’ thoughts and emotions

Repetitive or restrictive behaviours

• Repetitive physical behaviour such as hand flapping or toe walking (often used to self-soothe or self-stimulate)
• Repetitive routines include lining items up, playing with a toy in the same way each time, and following the same route.
• Seeking out specific visual or auditory experiences, such as spinning wheels on a toy train, looking at the bars of a fence, or listening to the theme tunes of favourite programmes.
• Being restrictive around certain activities, such as eating only yellow food, watching the same programme over and over or only wearing a favourite jumper.

Other Characteristics of Autism

Autistic people may or may not have the following:

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Sensory differences. This is most noticeable when children are over-sensitive to stimuli, e.g. they are distressed by loud noises
• Trouble with coordination
• Unusual eating behaviour, such as only eating certain foods
• Additional learning disabilities

While these are examples of some of the challenges or obstacles autistic people can face, it should be noted that autism brings with it many strengths and abilities that should be recognised and valued.