Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

In young children this can look like they are detached or in their own world. Their play can be more functional than creative and their non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions etc) can be very difficult to read. In older children there can be difficulties in managing behaviour and special interests can become overwhelming. Finger and body mannerisms can be distinctive and they might prefer routine and order and find short notice change distressing. Social relationships can be difficult as the child matures and autistic children find developing and maintaining friendships challenging. Teenagers with autism can be particularly difficult to communicate with and can present many challenging behaviours. The combination of hormonal changes, social demands and academic pressures can have a unique impact on a child of this age – it can be a challenging time without autism! Adults with autism will likely recall the challenges of adolescence and have found social situations difficult throughout their life. Relationships at work and home can be put under strain when an unidentified influence such as autism impacts on an individual’s functioning.

Adults with Autism might find social situations difficult and overwhelming. They might prefer routines and order and have deep interests in certain subjects. They might appear socially awkward and rigid in the way they function preferring order and logic to spontaneity and change. Adults with autism might find it difficult to manage social relationships and appear somewhat reclusive and they might find it difficult to know what other people want or need. This is not necessarily because they don’t care but because their brains just do not work that way naturally.