What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that impacts on a person’s social communication, social interaction styles, and how they perceive and process information about the world.
Social communication, social interaction and how we process and experience the world has a fundamental impact on how we function and cope in everyday life. They are essential skills that help us develop friendships and relationships, understand our own and other peoples’ emotions, why people respond in a particular way, and cope with uncertainty and change. Autistic people experience differences in these areas, which can create stress, confusion and breakdowns in communication between autistic and non-autistic people.
Sensory Processing Differences
Many autistic people can also experience sensory processing differences such as heightened or lowered sensitivity to touch, noise, taste, smell, visual information, body awareness and movement.
These differences can lead to stress and anxiety and may cause pain or discomfort. Autistic people describe their sensory processing differences as an important factor of their emotional wellbeing. It is important to recognise this and to try and build in positive sensory experiences into autistic peoples’ everyday routines where possible.
Emerging Ideas about Autism
Neurodiversity is a relatively new term, thought to have been coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer. It was originally used by the autistic community, who were keen to move away from the medical model and dispel the belief that autism is something to be treated and cured, rather than an important and valuable part of human diversity.
The idea of neurodiversity has now been taken up by other groups, who are using the term, to empower and promote the positive qualities of those with a neurodevelopmental difference.
The term neurodiversity usually refers to a range of specific learning differences including:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) also referred to as Dyspraxia
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Epilepsy
- Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Tourette’s and Tic disorders
- Specific Learning Disorder/Differences e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia
Taken from the Autism Toolbox
The Double Empathy Problem
Described by Dr Damien Milton, the double empathy problem suggests that when people with very different experiences of the world interact with one another, they will struggle to empathise with each other and there can be a breakdown in reciprocity and mutual understanding. Through this theory we recognise that as well as autistic people have social communication challenges, non-autistic people can equally have difficulty understanding the intentions and communication of the autistic person. The problem is shared by those with and without autism.
Communication
What is AAC? AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It means any sort of equipment or system that can help a person to communicate. AAC can help people who have difficulty speaking because of a physical impairment, or because they have trouble putting their thoughts into words. It can also help people to understand language spoken to them. There are many types of AAC. Unaided Communication does not involve external equipment but usually consists of gestures or signs. An example of this would be using Makaton signs to support speaking and understanding. Aided Communication can be divided into low-tech and high-tech. Low-tech AAC consists of anything that does not require a battery or power source to function. This includes objects of reference; symbol or letter boards; simple or complex communication books, including PODD books. High-tech AAC can encompass a range of devices from single message buttons to complex voice output communication aids. If you would like to find out more about AAC and how it can be useful, please use the links below.
For more information visit:
www.aacscotland.org.uk Here you will find a lot of useful information, videos and links to information about communication and AAC. Visit the videos and links section to watch short, informative videos about different ways to communicate, supporting someone with a communication difficulty and some fun clips of AAC users too.
www.nowhearme.co.uk This website contains lots of useful resources and links for individuals who use AAC, professionals and members of the public.
www.communicationmatters.org.uk Communication Matters is a UK-wide organisation that supports individuals with communication difficulties, including people who use AAC. On their website they have lots of information about AAC and its uses, as well as downloadable information sheets.
www.communication-access.co.uk Free training on communication support and accessibility. You can register and complete the training for free.
This link will take you to the Scottish Government guidance on communication support and equipment. This was passed into law in May 2018, which means that children and adults across all age ranges and care groups, who have lost their voice, or have difficulty speaking, have a right to be provided with communication equipment and support in using that equipment, as necessary to meet all reasonable requirements.
www.twitter.com/AACLanarkshire and www.facebook.com/AAC-Lanarkshire-361951600642641/ will take you to information about AAC Lanarkshire, the local network for AAC services in Lanarkshire.
Information provided by Ailsa Adams, AAC Coordinator, NHS Lanarkshire Speech and Language Therapy
