“Think of it: a disability is usually defined in terms of what is missing. … But autism … is as much about what is abundant as what is missing, an over-expression of the very traits that make our species unique,” – Paul Collins, ‘Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism’

Child Writing

Autism (autistic spectrum disorder, or ASD) is a condition which most of us are now broadly aware of. Having said that, is only in the last couple of decades that it has become widely recognised and accepted. Although the word ‘autism’ was first used over 70 years ago, it is only in the last 20 or so years that significant efforts have been put into researching it, understanding it, dealing with it and raising awareness for it.

In a world where the ‘experts’ are constantly discovering new things about autism, it is extremely tricky for the rest of us to fully understand it and to recognise it in others. It is really important to diagnose autism in children as early as possible, so that their needs can be met appropriately throughout their formative years.

How to spot it in children, though? The fact is that the autistic spectrum is extremely wide and varied, meaning that those who have it display a wide range of behaviours. However, there are inherent signs to watch out for, and a plethora of resources, support systems and institutions available to ensure that those children are allowed to develop and succeed; to meet their full potential.

If you want to learn in-depth information about the causes of autism and how to deal with it in both children and adults, then we, at NCC Home Learning, have many autism awareness courses available. However, in the meantime we hope to answer any questions or curiosities you might have about how to spot signs of autism in children, and how to support them going forward in the article that follows!

What Is Autism?

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? So, in a nutshell, what is autism?

Autism, or to give its full name ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’ is characterised by a range of challenges around social skills, communication (both verbal and non-verbal) and repetitive behaviours.

Autism, however, is just the blanket term used for a variety of sub-types of the condition. Each of these sub-types displays its own behaviours and challenges. But, as with all people on the planet, each case of autism is unique to the person in question and has its own subtle differences.

The reason that the autistic range is so wide is that, although the genesis of the condition is generally biological, the development of the disorder as the person grows older is very much down to the influence of environmental factors. Behaviours change and develop constantly based on the environmental stimuli experienced by the individual.

Autism can be very manageable, and many who suffer from it don’t discover they are on the spectrum until much later on in life, so insignificant is it to their quality of life. However, on the other end of the scale, it can be extremely tricky to live with and often comes with medical issues such as seizures, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression, sleeping issues and gastrointestinal disorders. Another common affliction with Autism is sensory issues; an aversion to, or obsession with, certain sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells.

We do not think of autism as particularly common, as it is not generally something we can see. Also, people who suffer at the severe behavioural and medical end of the spectrum struggle to enjoy or deal with public environments. Autism is just something that we don’t see that often, but it is more common than you might think. In fact, it effects around 1 in every 60 children. The tell tale signs of Autism normally appear by the time a child is 3 years old and can be diagnosed as early as 12 months.

What Causes Autism?

Unfortunately, there is no finite answer to this question. Scientists and researchers have been looking at this for over 70 years, yet they are still largely uncertain about what specifically causes the brain to develop so differently. The current general consensus is that the condition develops in children due to a combination of factors; genetic, biological and environmental.

Scientist looking through a microscope

Genetic. There is no evidence to suggest that this is the most significant factor in the development of Autism. However, some specific genetic situations have been firmly linked to it. For example, in a family that has one autistic child, the chance of having another child with the disorder is around 5%. This is quite high compared to the chances within the rest of the population. It has also been found that autistic children are more likely to be born into families where the parents have mild social impairments (repetitive behaviour, for example) or mental disorders such as depression.

Biological. There is significant evidence to suggest that most autistic people will have been subjected to too much testosterone in the womb. Also, around half of autistic people have gut problems such as diarrhoea, constipation and IBS. This imbalance in the bacteria present in the gut is also a potential catalyst for the development of ASD.

Environmental. This can refer to conditions suffered by the mother during pregnancy. This includes some illnesses, chemical exposures or traumas experienced by the mother. These can all lead to developmental or chemical imbalances in the womb. Lack of oxygen at birth is also cited as a potential player in the condition’s cause. However, it is worth stressing that none of the above factors bear sole responsibility for the development of autism. It is these things in combination with other factors that may lead to its growth.

What Is High Functioning Autism?

‘High-functioning autism’, or HFA, is probably a term you have heard thrown around, but you might not know precisely what it means. It’s actually pretty simple. A high-functioning autistic person is simply someone who suffers with the condition but also has an IQ of 70 or above. This IQ is significantly higher than the majority of autistic people.

This kind of autism looks very similar to Asperger’s syndrome and is often confused with it despite it being quite a different condition! Which leads us to…

What Is the Difference Between Autism and Asperger’s?

Autistic spectrum syndrome and Asperger’s syndrome are entirely different, but so many of their associated behaviours and symptoms are identical. These include the following…

Child with a book

So, as you can probably tell, to the naked eye both conditions look very much the same. However, there are many differences between the two. We hope to help you improve your Asperger’s syndrome awareness by detailing the most notable differences here…

  1. Children with autism, as suggested previously, have a lower than average IQ. Sufferers of Asperger’s generally have an IQ that is high above the national average. Many children with Asperger’s have extremely advanced vocabulary and have a talent for retaining and reciting facts on a specific subject. For example, they may have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the London Underground, or be able to recite episodes of their favourite TV shows, word for word! In many cases, this heightened intellect enables these children to excel, but all too often others can be prevented from reaching their potential due to behavioural setbacks.

Language Development. There is a huge difference in the speed of language acquisition between those with Asperger’s and autism, high-functioning or not. Asperger’s is often not diagnosed until later on in childhood due to the fact that there is nothing abnormal about their speech development, it is usually in line with what is considered to be normal. Those with autism, for the most part, develop speech much later than is usual. There is also a difference in the desire to communicate. Autistic children generally seem uninterested in communication with others, whereas Asperger’s children are usually eager to communicate in both verbal and non-verbal ways. This eagerness does not necessarily mean they find it easy to communicate though; they often still come off as socially awkward and struggle with eye contact.

Brain Function. As a general rule, the brains of autistic and Asperger’s children are wired differently, and each pattern is consistent with others suffering with the same condition. Children with Asperger’s tend to have stronger connections in the left side of their brain than autistic children.

Skittles being lined up

Diagnosis. Autism is mostly diagnosed early as the signs make themselves quite clear during early development. The most commonly seen early indications lie in lack of social interaction, late language development and an early aptitude for very specific tasks (ordering items by colour or size, for example). Asperger’s, on the other hand, is often caught much later as the signs are not as clear early on. It is diagnosed, on average, around the age of 5; much older than the autism average, which is around 2 years old.

Asperger’s is often not recognised by parents until their children begin attempting to interact with peers. This could be as late as their teen years, or even adulthood.

Symptom Severity. Although this is not a universal rule, the symptoms of autism often present much more strongly than they present with Asperger’s. Autistic children nearly always need specific support from purpose built schools, colleges and other institutions, whereas Asperger’s sufferers generally attend, and excel within, mainstream education.

However, even considering all of this, Asperger’s is so close to high-functioning autism, that the term ‘Asperger’s’ has recently been decommissioned as an official condition. The name is sure to continue to exist in our vernacular for some time, but the disorder has mostly been taken under the wider umbrella covered by autism.

How Many People Have Autism?

Of course, it is tricky to know precisely how many people have autism, as many cases, high-functioning individuals in particular, often go undiagnosed. However, it is estimated that autism effects around 1.2% of people worldwide. In the UK there are 700,000 people somewhere on the spectrum.

According to a 2017 poll, the UK is the second in the world when it comes to the prevalence of ASD among children. The poll suggests that 94 out of every 10,000 children born in the UK are somewhere on the spectrum. First on the list is Japan, who’s statistics show that 161 children out of 10,000 have the condition, the USA are a little further down on the list, in 5th place, at 66 children per 10,000. There is no finite reason or connection between these widely varying figures.

There are arguments to suggest that autism is significantly more common than it was 20 years ago. This is certainly true of officially diagnosed cases of ASD. The official percentage for prevalence of autism in the general population was between 0.02% and 0.05% two decades ago, it is now, as stated earlier, approximately 1.2%. However, this huge rise does not reflect reality. The main reason for this rise in diagnoses is almost certainly because the criteria for diagnosing ASD has changed. Autism used to be characterised solely by a lack of ability for social interaction. In the last 20 years, the definition of autism has expanded and includes a whole range of behaviours and ailments. Add to this that autism was routinely being misdiagnosed as Asperger’s, and you have a fair explanation for the apparent rise in prevalence.

What Are the Signs of Autism?

So, how do we spot autism in our children? What should we be looking out for. Let’s break it down…

How is autism diagnosed?

If you suspect your child might be on the spectrum, you will require a number of assessments to be carried out in order for an official ASD diagnosis to be made. In short, an autism diagnosis is based on a range of features being expressed, or not, by your child. For most children, the following things will need to happen in order for a full assessment to be made…

Child drawing pictures

How to Test for Autism.

The assessments listed above include a variety of thorough and specific physical and mental tests. But how to test for autism yourself? Here is a look at some of the ‘red flag’ symptoms you should be looking for…

Socialising. Social difficulties are the issues most commonly associated with ASD. There are many social symptoms that can be picked up on. These are things that autistic children regularly struggle with or misunderstand…

Speech. Late speech development, as discussed earlier is very much a trait of ASD. This lack of speech development can begin to show as early as 9 months old. Here are the signs that an assessment might be in order based on speech development…

Physical and Sensory Issues. Sensory issues can go two ways. On one hand, your child may have a very intense negative reaction to a specific sound, texture, smell or sight (such as harsh light). Alternatively, they might find comfort in, or be obsessed with as certain sensory sensation; a strong liking for the smell of candles or the feel of velvet on their skin, for example.

Emotional and Behavioural Signs. Emotionally speaking, autistic children simply struggle to recognise emotions, both within themselves and in others. They also struggle to express emotion effectively, and often get frustrated. Behaviourally, there are a number of tell-tale things you should look out for…

If you are concerned that your child may be somewhere on the spectrum and are wondering if they should be seen by a professional, there is also quick test that you can take to help you get an idea of whether this is something you need to be seriously thinking about.

The test is a 39 question, ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questionnaire evaluation. It was developed by the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge. The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is aimed specifically at parents to help assess the severity of autistic symptoms in children. You can find the test here.

How to Help A Child with Autism

As a parent, there are a few main things you need to do in order to support your child effectively…

Learn as much as you possibly can. Learn about ASD. Learn as much as you possibly can. Learn about how to treat it, what techniques and systems you can put in at home to make your life, and your child’s life, easier. But mostly, ask questions and make sure you are up to date on all the treatment options available. To begin your education why not try our Autism Awareness Online Course!

Acceptance. Do not judge your child and define them by their ASD. Enjoy your child for who they are, oddities and all, as you would with any other person. You will find that this positivity and acceptance makes everything infinitely easier.

Child lying in leaves

Know your child. Know what your child’s behavioural triggers, what exacerbates them and what elevates them. If you know your child inside out, then you will find outbursts of challenging behaviour easier to deal with and hopefully far less frequent.

Keep going. Autism is ever developing. Because of this, your child will constantly be coming up against new challenges. However, they will also be accumulating more skills and abilities as they grow, and some behaviours will disappear with age, experience and learning. Never give up on them.

How to Support A Child with Autism in the Classroom

Clarity. When you communicate with your autistic student, it is important not to over complicate the language you use. So, as best you can, get eye contact, and communicate the information in as simple and clear a manner as linguistically possible.

Inclusivity. You must, if in mainstream education, make the child feel a part of the community. The secret to this is to educate the other children in your class about the condition of ASD. The most important thing about this is not to cite ASD as a disability, but simply as a difference, and that it is no big deal.

Time. Autistic children do not function at the same speed as non-autistic children. They will likely not be able to complete tasks at the pace set by the rest of your children. So, give them time, and make their targets achievable. If they are constantly falling short of the targets set for them this will fuel disappointment and, potentially, disruptive outbursts.

Patience. Be patient. It is hard sometimes, as autistic behaviour is often very challenging. However, it is rarely malicious, so keep that in mind!

If you would like to learn more about how to support a child with autism in the classroom then why not take a look at our Autism Awareness for Educators course?

ASD is a complex condition, and our understanding of it is still developing. However, we, as a society, are now becoming better acquainted with it, and there are many support systems in place to help support these individuals.  We hope that this article has put to rest some of your concerns and questions around autism in children and how to deal with the challenges that they present.

Slowly, we are beginning to understand more about autism and how it affects children.

a symbolic puzzle heart illustration for autism awareness. vector eps 10 available.

School has an important part in supporting children with autism and their families. Likewise, with greater awareness and understanding, schools are better placed to support children with autism. Find out how schools do this.

Autism is something we are hearing more about. With more people taking notice, discussion and dialogue about what autism is and how children and adults can be better supported is bringing about much-needed change.

But there is still a lot we don’t understand about autism. For schools, dealing with, managing and supporting children with autism has long presented a balancing act. On one hand, every school wants to make their learning environment fun, stimulating and dynamic but for a child with autism, these three things can be what they least need.

Schools have a big role to play so just how are they helping students with autism?

Spot warning signs

Nursery education and primary years are important formative years in the education and development of a child. Most children with autism will display a range of developmental issues and behaviours in the first three years of life.

There is no cure and the symptoms don’t ‘get better’. For nursery educators and early years teachers, they can be part of the diagnosis mechanisms.

This doesn’t mean that teachers or teaching assistants are qualified to determine who is autistic and where on the autistic spectrum they are. But they can provide evidence and feedback on how children react to certain stimuli in the classroom.

Often, it is the parents who understand that ‘something is not quite right’ and have to push hard for a diagnosis. Teachers and school can be part of supporting this process.

Create better acceptance amongst peers and colleagues

Autism awareness in school is essential for promoting acceptance too.

Autism affects people differently. How one student displays symptoms is very different to how another child does. Boys present autism differently to girls, although our understanding of this is only just beginning to come to the fore.

Innovative teaching

There are many schools across the country who are taking steps to change the physical school environment to accommodate and welcome students with autism, as well as changing how they teach.

To truly understand what it is like for a child with autism to attend school, we need to understand what it is like to be locked in a world where the smallest sound can be unbearable.

To support national autism week, the Autism Speaks has produced powerful videos that offer a glimpse into what it is like for some people with autism to do everyday things that we take for granted. From walking along the street to being in a café, there are so many things that can cause distress to someone with autism.

Small changes and adaptations to the school environment, as well as how teaching staff and colleagues interact with an autistic child, can make all the difference.

Prepare students for a world beyond school walls

At some point, a child with autism grows up to be an adult with autism. It is not a disorder that fades with time, it is not a phase or something that a child grows out of.

A child with autism is a child with a future and school can play a big part in the process of readying them for life beyond its walls. Both ‘special schools’ and mainstream schools have a part in helping a student with autism to go on and live a fulfilling life.

Supporting families

Schools work with parents and carers to establish a routine that helps, supports and nurtures their students.

But autism awareness in school extends further than you think. From providing support for the siblings of a child with autism to working with parents, carers, health organisations and social services to give every child the education they deserve and need to become well-rounded adults.

There are so many phrases and words used interchangeably to describe symptoms and syndromes, that it can be hard to work out what is being referred to. This article looks at autism and Asperger’s, exploring the links between the two and what this means when working with or looking after someone with autism and Asperger’s.

Rain Man was a powerful film although not everyone agrees it gives a true representation of what it is like to live with autism. It gave a sense of the rewards and challenges of high functioning autism- also known as Asperger’s Syndrome – a diagnosis that you may have heard about.

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is one a type of autism that often goes unrecognised in childhood, and in adulthood too.

Diagnosis of autism is slowly improving and as a result, children are being diagnosed earlier and getting the help they need. But there is still a lot of work to be done. There are similarities and differences between classic autism, as it is sometimes known, and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Children with AS are often not diagnosed correctly until adulthood but like those children with classic autism, they seem to be in a ‘world of their own’ and disconnected from those around them.

What causes AS?

We are still trying to understand autism and its causes but there is a link between AS and genetics. Some children and adults with AS obsess over unusual things and communication is considerably challenging.

Like the character portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, someone with AS can be incredibly talented. Dustin Hoffman’s character was gifted with math, others excel at science, complex thinking process, music and so on. But this is not typical and happens in only a small number of cases.

Whether someone with AS borders on being a genius or not, there are three areas that they struggle with as does anyone with a diagnosis of being of the autistic spectrum;

  1. Socialising and socialisation
  2. Communication
  3. Behaviour range

Scientists specialising in autism, its range and diagnosis say that anyone with AS will have displayed significant symptoms in the first three years of their life. Autism doesn’t get worse with age or develops as the child develops. It is apparent from the earliest years.

How is AS different from classic autism?

Thoughts and research are still developing in this area but there seem to be two main differences between classic autism and AS.

According to research from the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, children or adults with Asperger’s tend to display;

Researchers are now uncovering that the lack of ability to understand the positive impacts they are having socially can result in some children and adults with AS to be depressed. Being locked into their own world with no way of reaching people leads to an isolation that is both physical and emotional.

Re-cap

Children with autism and those diagnosed with AS struggle with socialising, communication and behaviour range but some with AS may also display problems with language delay or a higher than average IQ that can ‘mask’ AS symptoms.

What causes Asperger’s Syndrome?

Slowly, science is making breakthroughs and our understanding of what causes autism and AS is improving.

Asperger’s Syndrome is more common in males than it is in females, although this may be because we are yet to understand the differences in symptoms displayed by girls over boys if they are different.

There are 9 males with AS to everyone one female diagnosed with the disorder and thus, the research so far is based on foetal testosterone levels (higher levels are found in boys than girls) and Asperger’s syndrome.

There are several ways in which the hormone testosterone might play a role in AS. One is ‘excessive maleness’, a finding that the scientific community is dealing with cautiously. If this is the case, say autism specialists, the ethical debate around treatment could leave many more unanswered questions.

There is also a debate that is simmering in the background relating to foetal testing to find out if a child has AS. A similar debate rages around the testing for Down’s Syndrome in the womb with some parents saying that when the extra chromosome was detected, they were advised to abort. Ethically, by testing and aborting foetuses with an extra chromosome, Down’s Syndrome could be ‘wiped out’.

Researchers and medics question whether this is ethically corrupt and that this is not the reasoning behind foetal testing. The same is true with AS, a condition that is not necessarily life-limiting, in the same way that Down’s Syndrome is not.

Likewise, manipulating hormones in the womb is also ethically challenging. Should science be manipulating nature, as some people see it?

But it comes down to the right support, something that our understanding of both AS and autism underpins. Children and adults with AS are not necessarily seeking a cure for their disability but are looking for better understanding and acceptance.

Someone with AS may have an unusual ability for memorising details or can focus on something for hours and hours – in other words, they may have abilities that can transform understanding of puzzling elements in life or find the answers to complex questions in science and beyond.

Re-cap

AS affects more boys than girls and has been linked to the male hormone, testosterone. The how and why of testosterone levels and how it ‘creates’ AS in the womb are yet to be fully understood.

Treatment and Diagnosis

Quite often, teachers and teaching assistants are given a piece of information – Child A is autistic – and from that, they are expected to change how lessons are delivered.

But, say experts, this label contains no information at all. This is because both classic autism and AS are individual to one person. One autistic person is not the same as the next;

Treatment should, therefore, be matched to what the person needs, rather than following guidelines and boundaries.

There is no medication or treatment plan that cures with autism or AS. Many children or adults with AS are treated for ‘add-on’ conditions, such as depression or other mental health issues linked to AS.

Opinions may vary but there are two points on which there is consensus;

As well as treating mental health issues, depending on the gravity of the issues relating to behaviour, cognitive therapies that look to change some behaviours is currently an effective tool. But this is an expensive option and not one on which everyone agrees.

Re-cap

Everyone on the autism spectrum including those with AS, display different levels of ability in being able to communicate, use language and socialise. There is no cure.

The Future

There is still a lot of research that needs to be done before we truly understand what autism and AS is, and how we can help people who have been diagnosed.

But there is little doubt that a key aspect of helping children and adults with autism and AS is awareness, acceptance and understanding. From autism awareness courses to facing off prejudice, we need to understand better how autism and AS really affects people.

Children with AS will often do well in the education system with the right support and will go on to live fulfilling lives, with great careers and form relationships in spite of their disability.

Some people with autism and AS need more help than others and perhaps this is what we need to understand as well as the complexities of hormones in the womb. And so, in one class, you can teach four or five children with a diagnosis of autism and AS, but only one may need extensive help to access learning or understanding the nuances of social interaction.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a sub-type of autism. The autism spectrum means that some people with autism will display different behaviours and levels of language for example, to others. People with AS are thought to be higher on the spectrum, with a higher-than-average IQ and increased social difficulties.

Want to know about autism and Asperger’s syndrome?

Working with someone who is on the autistic spectrum can be an enriching experience, but it can also present certain unique challenges. Autistic people can sometimes require additional support in the workplace. If you’re an employer looking to find out more about potential challenges, and how to avoid and overcome them, then there are plenty of places you can learn more. There are excellent autism awareness courses, and many resources available online.

Read on for our guide to autism awareness in the workplace, and some suggestions on how to help an autistic member of staff:

Set clear expectations of the job and any assigned tasks

It is helpful for an autistic member of staff if you are straightforward and explicit in your expectations of them. Go through their job description in detail with them, and discuss any workplace rules of conduct that are expected of employees of your organisation.

For any specific task that is assigned to someone with autism, it can help if you deliver clear and concise instructions. For instance, instead of saying ‘Email this to everyone’, you could say ‘Once this is complete, attach this into an email for all 10 members of your team’. More formal and specific instructions are extremely helpful for them. You can email these instructions through if it’s easier and they can refer back to your email or memo if needed.

Provide regular feedback that is direct as well as sensitively delivered

As with all employees, it is important to have regular one-on-one meetings with your autistic employees to discuss their performance and suggest areas of improvement. Keep the review meetings short and straightforward, and try to hold these on a regular basis. If you have a line manager in your organisation who has an autistic member of staff, it is worth encouraging them to take autism awareness courses.

When delivering feedback, it can be helpful to be sensitive and tactful, but also direct. Clearly discuss any areas for improvement and what can be done to implement any changes. Also make sure that you incorporate positive feedback amidst any suggestions for improvement.

Provide a well-structured work environment

For some autistic people, a work environment that is fairly structured can help them to work better. As an employer, you can help by working closely with them to organise their tasks into a timetable with clear milestones by which they need to deliver. It can be helpful to break bigger tasks down into smaller steps and be totally clear on deadlines. Help them adapt to their work routine with scheduled breaks and a regular lunchtime. If there are due to be any changes to their team or routine, then let them know specifically in advance.

Offer support and reassurance during any stressful work situations that may arise

Autism can sometimes cause people to become overly anxious if they feel that they aren’t performing effectively. Small issues such as IT problems can sometimes stress them out considerably more than they’d stress you or your other team members out. You can provide help by offering concrete solutions and providing them with the reassurance that everything will be fine. If there are members of staff that are stressing out their autistic colleague without even realising, it may be worth proving them with a link to autism awareness courses.

It can be helpful for an autistic employee to have a supportive friend in the workplace. If this doesn’t naturally happen, then discreetly appoint a buddy or mentor that they can turn to in times of stress.

Provide formal opportunities for training

Again, the structure would be hugely helpful here. Autistic members of staff would benefit from a more formal and structured method of training. You may be able to apply for funding for this from the Department of Work and Pensions, so it is worth investigating.

Make sure that the rest of your staff is aware and sensitive to their needs

Autistic people can sometimes experience difficulty with communication and social interactions. They can unintentionally come across as rude at times. If you have other staff members that struggle to cope with this, take them aside and let them know that their colleague is autistic. This will help them understand their behaviour better. If they would like to learn more, direct them towards autism awareness courses, many of which are now easily available online.

ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a disorder that varies widely in severity from one person to another.

One person displaying signs of autism will be very much different from those displayed by another person, also with a diagnosis of ASD. However, there are some commonalities. Everyone with a diagnosis of ASD will have difficulties in three main areas: social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

With difficulties reading people’s emotions or picking up on hints such as body language, people with autism can find social situations overwhelming.  This difficulty can lead to self-isolation or to public meltdowns. Many people assume that those with autism will live lives less-ordinary and that the inability to cope with social functions; many autistic children and adults face bullying, as well as misunderstanding.

However, autism does not stop people from overcoming the challenges of autism. In fact, some people use the strengths of autism to excel in life. Indeed, there are many examples of famous people with autism. Here we highlight some of the best-known people, all facing the challenges of autism in a world that can sometimes be unforgiving and intolerant but striving and thriving anyway.

Albert Einstein

Einstein is proof that being different isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, being different enabled Einstein to develop ideas and theories that are still celebrated and used today. It could be argued that his autistic mind allowed him to reach beyond the boundaries of what others thought.  So, while he is reputed to have struggled with social interactions and lacked tactile sensitivity, his intelligence and fascination with science transformed the way we think.

Mozart

Easily one of the most famous composers in the world, Mozart is believed to have had repeated facial expressions; have incredibly sensitive hearing (particularly to loud sounds) and was in an unintentional constant state of motion; he just couldn’t keep still.  Imagine though if he hadn’t been so sensitive to sound. Would he have been able to bring the subtlety and depth to his compositions that we consider so timeless? Imagine if he had been able to still himself.  Would he have been so prolific?

Daryl Hannah

The blonde, long-haired actress that is probably best-known for her role as a mermaid in the film Splash also has a diagnosis of ASD. Her shyness as a child was misunderstood, and even now, Daryl admits to rocking as a way of comfort when she is faced with situations she finds it difficult to comprehend. Although acting was the magical land to which she escaped, she found coping with the publicity and stardom of being a Hollywood actress almost impossible, refusing on many occasions to attend premiers of her own films. She now shuns the limelight, performing only occasional acting roles. She works happily from her home, protesting with lobby groups who work to address climate change.

Courtney Love

Courtney was diagnosed with a mild form of autism. There is no definition of ‘mild’ autism, as such, but behaviours in her childhood and in her adult life are likely connected with autism, including being excluded from several schools.  She has a strong following, thanks to her musical career.  However, her behaviour can appear erratic and almost dangerous in some situations, traits often exhibited by children and adults with autism.

Dan Aykroyd

The star of Ghostbusters was diagnosed, like many so many other famous people with autism, in his childhood years. However, at the time, there was not a diagnosis mechanism for ASD; thus it wasn’t until his adult years that he received a full and frank diagnosis.  It was Dan’s wife that noticed several obsessive traits, familiar to those with ASD. On her insistence, he saw a specialist and was given the diagnosis. His two main obsessions were ghosts and policemen, which may explain the films he has worked on over the years.

Tim Burton

Again, it was Tim Burton’s wife who spotted the signs of ASD. Married to actress Helen Bonham Carter, it was during research for a role that Helen noticed that her husband exhibited several of the traits.  As a result of the diagnosis, Tim was able to talk about the film and character of Edward Scissorhands as being semi-autobiographical. The feeling of being different and being shunned for this difference is one that never leaves those with have a diagnosis of autism.

Hans Christian Anderson

It may be challenging to believe that someone with such a vivid imagination could be considered autistic.  A common prejudice is that people with ASD tend to logical and fixed in the perspective they hold.  Reading his diaries, however, shows that he had a tendency towards obsession.  He desired things that were often unattainable.  If you speak to those with autistic diagnosis today, they will tell you they recognise some of the themes of their lives in the story of The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid.

Charles Darwin

Obviously living in a time before autism was a recognised disorder, Darwin, like Anderson, has been linked to ASD long after his death.  There were reports from his childhood that he was quiet and isolated.  He was said to be fixated on topics from the sciences.  It is likely that the high sensory input experienced by those with autism, along with an obsessive disposition, allowed Darwin the skills needed to observe nature as carefully as he did. We may never have had such a coherent theory of the survival of the fittest had it not been for Darwin’s autistic traits.

Bill Gates

The co-founder of Microsoft and now the co-chairperson of a significant global foundation, Bill Gates should be considered nothing short of a phenomenally successful man.  Although there has no official confirmation of his diagnosis, there is a general agreement amongst those with ASD that he is on the spectrum.  The evidence they cite is his speech pattern and the way he avoids eye contact.  It is important to remember that the degree of autism can vary greatly.  It is likely that Gates technical brain and powers of concentration may also be a positive aspect of autism.

Steve Jobs

Again, as with Bill Gates, this is a matter of speculation rather than an official part of Jobs biography.  However, Jobs social skills, or lack of them, are well documented.  Equally, he had an obsessive nature, as he focused in one small details.  This led him to some unorthodox modes of thinking, which turned out to be ultimately successful.

Andy Warhol

Another man with an unorthodox mind is the artistic genius of Andy Warhol.  The lead for diagnostics in autism insists that Warhol’s love of repetition and fixation on ideas is evidence of someone on the spectrum.  Judith Gould adds that his concise answers in interviews and some quirky decisions, such as refusing to wear green underwear, can also be used to come up with a diagnosis after his death.  Why would this be important? Well, it increases awareness that autism is less of a disorder than a difference and sometimes that difference can breed genius.

WB Yeats

At school, Yeats was bullied for his disinterest and for his somewhat awkward social behaviour.  It is interesting that the poet is known for his intense appreciation of emotion.  However, one academic points out that his obsession with Maud Gonne may have been a facet of his autism.  Also, if you pay close attention to his poems, there is an intense sensuality, which suggests he experienced the world to an extreme of his senses. Yeats biographer disagrees with academics, as Yeats emotional intelligence cannot be doubted.  However, what Yeats illustrates is that the range of characteristics of ASD makes it difficult to make generalised claims.

Emily Dickenson

There is a notable lack of women on this list.  Women are more difficult to diagnose with autism, as the emotional profile of an autistic woman is different from that of a man.  Therefore, it may be that Yeats sensitivity could hide his autism, as Dickenson’s could too.  Dickenson’s way of thinking was highly unconventional for the time, she was reclusive, she preferred the simple rules that govern a child’s world, and she was fascinated by the scent of flowers.

Stanley Kubrick
Finally, on our list of famous people with autism, is movie director Stanley Kubrick. Born in 1928, autism was not given its name until the 1940s, making a diagnosis of Stanley unlikely during his childhood years.  He was, however, an iconic director, who happened to display many autistic traits. Those that worked with Kubrick noted his poor social skills, narrow, obsessive interest, and inflexibility. Yet, he is widely seen as a genius within the genre of films he directed, mainly because of his obsessive attention to detail.

The message we should take

In April, when we are recognising Autism Awareness Month, it is essential to recognise the value that people with ASD bring to our world.  To be different is often not tolerated.  However, we should show compassion and kindness to people who work at the edges of our society for they enhance our understanding of the world in so many ways.

For those working or living with those with autism, life can be difficult and inflexible, but just as rewarding. Autism awareness courses are a fabulous way of being able to expand our understanding of autism, appreciating that it is both a gift and a curse for some.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a general term for a group of disorders that relate to brain development.

 

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a general term for a group of disorders that relate to brain development. These disorders are characterised by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours. In some cases, these can be barely noticeable, is some they can be severe.

Many people who work within a care or education setting, or perhaps carers of children that have been diagnosed with autism, choose to compete for various autism awareness courses. These courses allow for valuable insight into what can exacerbate an autistic child or adult’s reaction to certain situations.

Recognising and understanding the early signs of autism is key in not only diagnosis, but also in treatment which will reduce the disorder’s effect. By controlling these effects, an autistic child or adult can learn and thrive.

When can autism be detected?

Autism is a spectrum of disorders that are closely related and often share similar, if not the same symptoms. Autism spectrum disorders appear in infancy and early childhood. In many cases, there is a delay in basic areas of development such as talking, plating and the ability to interact with others.

The symptoms of autism vary, as do its effects. Some children suffer mild impairments, but others have far bigger obstacles to overcome. However, all autistic children and adults will share problems in these three areas:

  • Not being able to communicate verbally and non-verbally
  • Being able to relate to others and the world around them
  • Inflexible behaviour and thinking patterns

These are all early signs of autism that health professionals working with young and small children will look for. Unfortunately, what can be confusing for parents and teachers is that the doctors, experts and so on all have different opinions as to how autism should be treated.

However, there is one fact that is crystal clear and universally agreed on: early and intensive intervention helps. For those children that show early signs of autism, this makes all the difference.

Spotting the early signs of autism falls to the parents

Parents are in the best position to detect early signs of ASD but, unless they are aware of some of the behaviours and quirks, it can be difficult to recognise. Also, some parents find it tough getting the help, diagnosis and support they need. There are still cases where some children are labelled as ‘naughty’ or their behaviour is as a result of inadequate parenting. This attitude is unhelpful and forms a significant barrier to parents, and children, receiving the help that they need.
This is what to look and how to look for it (the following list is not the basis of a diagnosis. However, if you feel that your child behaves in this way, you should seek further help and advice):

  • Development – autism affects the rate and ability of growth in critical areas such as social, emotional and cognitive milestones. Delay in reaching certain targets by a certain age is not an automatic indication of autism; it could be a pointer.
  • Take action – every child develops in different ways and at different times thus, just because your child walks or talks at a later time than others should not be too much of a cause for concern. There is a large range of ‘normal’ development but, if your feel or suspect your child is not reaching the right milestone at the expected time, it is important that you seek help. Share your concerns with your health visitor or GP.
  • ‘Wait and see’ is not good enough – many concerned parents are told not to worry or wait and see. This is not the right approach and means that you are losing valuable time at an age where a child is thirsty for development. The essence of this argument is simple – whether the developmental delay is as a result of autism or another factor, children will not ‘grow out of it’.
  • Trust your instincts – parents have an innate ability to be able to spot problems and issues with their children. Problems can be underestimated by professionals and you may find that you will need to be persistent. Educational and clinical psychologists will often be part of the team that confirm the diagnosis of autism.

Autism awareness – information is key

Understanding autism and how is can show itself is important but underpinning is knowledge. With autism awareness courses and training, it is possible to understand the finer issues that are involved in living with someone with autism, as well as managing behaviour and so on.

Click here if you want to know more about the autism courses we offer here at NCC Home Learning.