AUTISM
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex disorder that affects the way a person communicates,
forms relationships with others and is characterised by the presence of
repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviours and interests. Autism is a
Spectrum Disorder varying in symptoms, severity and impact from
individual to individual. Autism can affect individuals of all levels of ability.
The exact cause of autism is uncertain, which makes finding effective
interventions difficult.
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome is not ‘mild’ autism. It includes individuals with the
same characteristics of autism to a greater or lesser extent, but are of
average or above average intelligence. Many go through life building up
their own informal support systems whilst others may require more
specialised support.
Characteristics
The onset of symptoms of Autism is typically before the first 3 years of a
child’s life. Amongst researchers, it is generally agreed that there are three
main characteristics of autism and anyone who has received a diagnosis of
Autistic Spectrum Disorder will exhibit some or all these characteristics to
some extent.
Social Interaction
The Triad of
Impairment
in
Autism
Social
Imagination
Social
Communication
Social Interaction

Impaired ability to engage in social relationships

Lack of ability to respond to name, affection and avoidance of eye
contact

Lack of empathy and inability to take on another’s perspective

Impaired ability to recognise, process and appreciate the feelings and
emotions of others

Crave predictability and function better in highly structured
environments

Do not respond well to change and transition

Unaware of social rules and so lack social tact
Social Imagination

Find it hard to separate fantasy from reality

May engage in repetitive, stereotyped body movements (hand
flicking, spinning, rocking)

Need for sameness might extend to food (dislike certain colours or
textures)

Narrow range of interests

Intrigued with 1 or 2 objects and have extensive knowledge about it

Contingency planning poses a problem
Social Communication

Requires support in using and understanding verbal and non-verbal
communication (eye contact, facial expressions, smiling) and require
additional time to process information

Unlikely to initiate or sustain conversations

Impaired development of spoken language

Stereotypical and repetitive use of language

Abnormalities in pitch, stress, rate, rhythm and tone of speech

Literal understanding of speech
Other Potential Issues

Hypersensitivity to stimulation (noise, touch, smell)

Poor organisational skills

Poor motor control

Problems with handwriting

Disrupted sleeping patterns
Strengths and Abilities

Often have good memories

Do not generally have the ability to lie or deceive

Refreshingly frank view of the world

Function well in a structured environment

Adapt well to routines

Able to work well on their own

Full range of strengths and weaknesses in personalities

Very dependable

Make a positive contribution to family, work and daily life

May have a encyclopaedic knowledge of subject matters
Diagnosis
As Autism is a developmental disorder and not a mental disorder there is no
medication, no blood test, no brain scan and no biological test which can be
used to identify or recognise the condition in order to diagnose. Therefore, it
is important to look at the behaviour of the individual and how they process
information in the brain.
If a parent or carer has concerns regarding their child’s behaviour, it is
recommended to keep a diary of the behaviour, to note anything that may
appear unusual and to make an appointment with the GP. A formal
diagnosis may involve a multi-disciplinary team made up of health
professionals and different doctors.
Gaining a diagnosis as an adult isn’t easy; however, the official route is
through the GP and subsequently a referral to a psychiatrist or clinical
psychologist. It is important to make an appointment to specifically discuss
this and to describe the characteristics clearly.
A diagnosis describes the behaviours which are happening but does not
explain why they are happening. However, a diagnosis can help an
individual to plan ahead, tell people what type of behaviours to expect and it
may open doors to autistic-specific services.
Helpful Strategies
It is important to organise the environment to suit the individual’s needs and
characteristics. The aim is not to change the challenging behaviour but to
adapt the environment which leads to the challenging behaviour.
The following approaches can be useful:

Communicate at a level that is understood, don’t overload

Be clear and precise in your instructions, be aware of literal
understanding

Give time for processing information

Organise environments: define areas and have clear boundaries

A structured environment which includes strategies for generalisation
of learning

Block out unnecessary distractions

Encourage a positive, consistent routine

Predictability and routine to help child transfer from one act to another

Give warning about changes in advance

Focus on specific skills that the child needs to learn

Family involvement is central to overall programme

Emphasis on promoting communication

Emphasis on visual approach

Teaching programmes should adapt to the family lifestyle if stress in
families is to be reduced
It is important to understand as much as you can about Autism. According
to researchers, early identification followed by consistent intervention is
important for positive changes in the development of the individual with
Autism. Successful intervention requires a multitude of professionals and
agencies working together with the family at the core.
Health
Education
Family at the
Centre
Social
Vocational
Useful Tips:
There are lots of interventions available so seek as much information about
each one.

Do not rush judgement on which approach to go with

Different approaches have been known to work for some people with
Autistic Spectrum Disorder, it may not work for others
Any intervention should be positive, build on people’s strengths, help
to discover their potential and provide opportunity


Be wary of any intervention that claims to ‘cure’ autism or is the only
and best method to use
Employment tips for interviewing People with Autism and Aspergers
Syndrome
Interviewing an individual with Autistic Spectrum Disorder may be more
successful if the following adjustments are made:

Ask closed questions and avoid open answers

Ask candidates questions based on real or past experiences

Avoid hypothetical or abstract questions and try and relate questions
to past experience for a more productive answer

Candidates may require prompting in order to give all the relevant
information

Be aware that individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder may
interpret language literally

Be aware that eye contact may be fleeting or prolonged depending on
the individual as it can be painful for the candidate to force direct eye
contact

Be aware the candidate may have difficulty interpreting non-verbal
communication such as body language and facial expressions
Support
There has been an emergence of a variety of Autism Organisations in
Northern Ireland over the years.
Aspire (Asperger Syndrome Assoc of Ireland)
www.aspire-irl.org
Autism NI & Autism Initiative
www.autisminitiative.org
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
02890 791875
www.autism.org
CEAT (Centre for early Autism Treatment)
Develops and delivers a range of specialised individualised and systematic
ABA interventions for families in NI.
Centre for Early Autism Treatment
60 Belmont Ave
Belfast
BT4 3DE
02890 659678
www.ceatni.org
Disability Action
Portside Business Park
189 Airport Road west
Belfast
BT3 9ED
02890 297880
www.disabilityaction.org
Irish Society for Autism
www.iol.ie/~isa1/
MENCAP
Segal House
4 Annadale Ave
Belfast
BT7 3JH
Belfast: 02890 691351
Ballymoney: 02827 666666
Armagh: 02837 528767
Derry: 02871 262227
www.mencap.org.uk
Middletown Centre for Autism
35 Church Street
Middletown
Co Armagh
BT60 4HZ
O2837 515750
admin@middletownautism.com
National Autistic Society Northern Ireland
59 Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 6SA
02890 236235
www.nas.org.uk
Orchardville Society
Voluntary organisation which assists people with learning disabilities realise
their full potential and ambitions. This organisation provides support to
those with Autism who are in training and employment.
Lagan Village Tower
144-152 Ravenhill Road
Belfast
BT6 8ED
02890 732326
www.orchardville.com
PEAT (Parents Education as Autism Therapists) Provides specialist ABA
intervention, support and advice to parents.
Simple Steps (PEAT)
Multimedia Parent Support Package which is designed and produced by
parents and professionals to inform others about ASD and ABA.
PEAT
Upper Springfield Development Co.Ltd
Belfast
Co. Antrim
BT12 7FP
02890 324882
www.peatni.org