World Autism Acceptance Week: how to recognise and support people on the spectrum
World Autism Acceptance Week runs from March 28 to April 3. An autism diagnosis can be made at any age and primary school teacher and special needs practitioner Amanda Bailey looks at the increasing awareness of neurodivergent conditions and suggests ways you can help recognise and support people on the spectrum
In a recent BBC documentary entitled Our Family and Autism, the model and reality TV star Christine McGuiness receives an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) diagnosis and expresses her relief, realising she ‘wasn’t just being difficult’.
While co-ordinating support in schools for pupils demonstrating signs of, or formally diagnosed with an ASC, I have regularly experienced a parent or parents recognising similar characteristics in themselves. The term Autistic Spectrum Condition is used because it recognises the diversity of brains.
ASCs are ‘neurodevelopmental’, meaning the brain and central nervous system develop and function atypically.
The incidence of ASC has soared recently, with increased knowledge and understanding among parents and professionals. As a result there are now a range of proactive, positive measures to support young people.
However, many people with ASC traits continue to go undetected.
This leads to children, adolescents and adults struggling with low self-esteem and other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or anger.
When social interactions become more complex and the simple structure of repetitive infant games are no longer played, primary-aged youngsters can experience increasing difficulties making and maintaining friendships.
Learning becomes more abstract and verbal, and following instructions becomes challenging. It is often misinterpreted as defiance or non-cooperation.
Without a formal diagnosis many individuals are not getting the help and support they need.
NHS statistics showed an average of 48 months waiting time from referral to assessment before the pandemic – sadly, it is now significantly worse.
The Autism Act 2009 gives people the right to a diagnosis at any age.
All local authorities are required to provide an adult diagnostic pathway, but the long wait is an issue.
A free online quiz for adults – the AQ or Autism Spectrum Quotient – can be used to measure the extent of autistic traits.
The ratio of females to males diagnosed with an autistic spectrum condition is typically 1:4. Together with other neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia this is being correctly questioned.
There is a distinct gender bias in everyday expectations – shyness, discomfort in speaking out in group situations, difficulties with motor co-ordination and confusion in social situations.
If you suspect you, someone in your family or someone you teach could have an autistic spectrum condition there are many proactive measures you can take to significantly improve daily life.
Predictable routines and schedules at home and school help provide structure and order to help manage some of the anxiety causing uncertainties.
Clear information, direction and choice can provide increased control and confidence in social situations.
Learning to identify and regulate emotions is hard to master.
A school method that would translate easily into the home setting is an approach called ‘Zones of Regulation’, which uses four colours – blue, green, yellow, and red – to help youngsters identify their feelings and level of alertness, reading body signals, identifying triggers, together with strategies to increase emotional and sensory regulation and problem-solving skills, as well as relaxation and calming strategies.
If you need support, the National Autistic Society website has lots of detailed advice and guidance, or you could contact your GP or your child’s teacher.
There are increasing numbers of influencers and activists using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and TikTok explaining what ASC means for them.
Paige Layle and Summer Farrelly are great advocates for teenagers, while Neurodivergent Rebel has a strong and powerful message for adults.
•Amanda Bailey offers bespoke courses for children, young people, adults and families helping to reduce anxiety, increase calmness and facilitate social, emotional and cognitive development. For more information or to discuss your situation, get in touch with Amanda through www.beberkshire.co.uk
Autism assessment and support
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which affects the way that individuals communicate with and relate to other people.
People with autism often prefer routine and may struggle with change. They may have particularly intense interests and may be good at noticing patterns and small details.
People with autism frequently suffer from high levels of anxiety due to their difficulties in making sense of what is going on around them.
It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.
Your child can be assessed if they’re suspected of being on the autistic spectrum and are aged between one and 17½ years in West Berkshire.
There is no medical test for autism.
A decision about diagnosis is made based on detailed information about the child’s early development and how they are now.
There are many conditions that can cause social communication difficulties for children and young people, including hearing, speech and language difficulties, learning difficulties, dyspraxia, depression and anxiety, bullying and emotional worries about the home.
It’s important to consider these possibilities before making a referral to the Autism Assessment Team – the NHS has a checklist on its website.
When all these checks have been completed – and the child is showing evidence of difficulties in social interaction, social communication and repetitive and restrictive behaviours that can’t be attributed to other factors – a referral should be made to the Autism Assessment Team.
Autism Berkshire is the leading autism charity in Berkshire and delivers quality specialist services, training and social and leisure activities
throughout the county.
Its mission is to help and support anyone living with autism in Berkshire and to enhance the current provision of services and support, with the purpose of improving the quality of life of people with autism and giving them maximum independence.
www.autismberkshire.org.uk
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. www.autism.org.uk
Since 1962, it has been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
