What is Autism?
You may be aware that there are children attending our school who are on the autism spectrum. Some of these children are full-time in mainstream classrooms, others are full-time in the Assisted Learning Class (ALC) in our school, and others spend some time in both the ALC and the mainstream classrooms. Here is some information that might help inform you and your child about Autism…
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person relates to the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while people with autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways.
A short video introduction to autism
Check out this BBC Newsround Special called ‘My Autism and Me’. 13-year-old Rosie takes viewers into her world to explain what it’s like to grow up with autism – she says that autism “means that my brain works a bit differently”. It is suitable for parents, kids, teachers, relatives or friends of anyone with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and lasts 14 minutes.
Make a difference
Adam Harris is the founder of AsIAm.ie, Ireland’s one-stop-shop of information for those living with Autism. AsIAm works to change the public perception of Autism and to empower those in the Autism community to achieve their own personal potential and to gain positive outcomes for the entire community.
Check out Adam’s ‘Ten simple ways to really make a difference for someone with autism’. You can access it in video format here or written format here. His blog on autism can be found here.
If you’re still curious, take a look at this video from the Middletown Centre for Autism.
Did you know?
- About 1 in 68 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Autism is a hidden disability – you can’t always tell if someone has an ASD.
- Many people with an ASD have difficulty processing everyday sensory information such as sounds, sights and smells. This is usually called having sensory integration difficulties, or sensory sensitivity.
- There is a range of reasons why children with an ASD have difficulties with behaviour. The world can be a confusing, isolating and daunting place for the child and it is their fundamental difficulties with communication and social interaction that are often the root cause of difficult behaviour.
- With the right help and support a person with autism can make progress and reach their potential.