7 Things you need to know about Autism

With the age of the internet many of us ‘google’ something if we are unsure or do not understand, unfortunately some of that information can be misleading or even false. Below we tell you the 7 things we believe you need to know about Autism.

1. If you’ve seen one person with Autism, you’ve seen one person with Autism.

The wise words from Dr Stephen Shore, and they couldn’t be truer. Everyone with Autism is different from their difficulties to their interest. Not everyone with Autism is a genius at Math and not everyone with Autism is fanatic about trains. We support individuals who are brilliant musicians, artists or writers, others are able to take clocks apart and put them together with no help from the good old internet. Some may have sensory needs others can cope in large rooms with lots of noise and light. The most important thing to do is treat everyone with Autism individually find out how best to support them and what works for them. It’s a great first step!

2. Autism is not caused by bad parenting!

Autism is a condition that a child is born with no amount of ‘good parenting’ is going to fix that. Parents can help their children by getting them the right support, working and listening to them, but most importantly love them like you would any other child.

3. We still don’t understand what causes Autism.

There are many theories out there from ‘refrigerator mums’ to infections while the baby is still in the womb to vaccines. There is so much misinformation out there and theories to how a child develops Autism. The only truth is we still do not know!

4. Even if someone with Autism is non-verbal they still have loads to say.

Not everyone with Autism is non-verbal but a characteristic of Autism is struggling to communicate, its part of the Triad of impairment. Take your time to understand those individuals, find ways to communicate with them and help them communicate with you

5. Autism is not a Mental Health issue or a Learning Difficulty.

Many people with Autism also have these difficulties but Autism in its self isn’t. Anxiety and Depression are the most common Mental Health conditions with, dyslexia and dyspraxia being the main Learning Difficulties and should be supported as such. Autism is a neurological developmental condition.

6. People with Autism can have feelings and also recognise others feelings

Autistic people don’t necessarily lack empathy. They’re actually experiencing an overload of input from the world around them. This can lead to sensory overloads or meltdowns, so they need to take regular breaks alone in a quiet place.

7. There is no cure for Autism, and why would you want there to be.

There are a number of organisations that aim to research a ‘cure’ for autism and there have been many theories on how to do this from diet to medication. We believe in celebrating ‘Neurodiversity’ and helping everyone succeed whatever their difficulties. Although you cannot cure Autism we can all help make the world a better and easier place for those on the Autism Spectrum.