Autism

Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental condition that affects how an individual communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how an individual make sense of the world around them. Whilst there are shared features of impairment (outlined below), individuals express their autism in highly different ways. This can be summed up as “one word describing a million different stories”.

The understanding and identification of autism spectrum condition has improved since it was first identified over 70 years ago. Autism is one of several conditions which are now collectively called Neurodivergent. A person’s Autistic presentation is a mix of challenges and capacities, depending on the individual. However, it is not a static condition which means it can be supported to reduce challenges and enhance abilities.

Autism is not a learning disability, but can co-exist with one, as well as a range of other physical, mental, and emotional conditions. The majority of autistic people do not have a co-existing Learning Disability.

The Scottish Government recently coordinated a national public consultation on a proposed Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill. Some common traits are shared by many autistic people in the following areas and can sometimes seem contradictory. Additional challenges in identification can relate to masking and gender differences in an individual’s presentation profile.

Spoken language

• delay in speech development, or precocious language acquisition
• monotonous, flat sounding speech
• communication in single words, or preferred use of formal or complex patterns of speech
• repeating set words or phrases
• asking many questions about the same issue relating to processing differences

Responding to others

Autistic people may:

• find it difficult to show or accept affection in typical ways
• not respond immediately or not at all when their name is used, despite being able to hear
• react in a negative way when asked to do something, which is experienced as a demand

Interacting with others

Autistic People may:

• outwardly appear to have little interest in others or be socially awkward
• be willing to interact with others but don't show it in typical ways
• Not always read other people's intentions accurately
• find social situations such as parties or social gatherings a challenge
• prefer to play or do things on their own
• avoid eye contact or make too much eye contact

In their behaviour

Some autistic people:

• make repetitive movements such as rocking backwards and forwards, flapping their hands or flicking their fingers, called stimming.
• prefer familiar routines and become anxious or upset if they are disrupted or changed, especially unexpectedly.
• have a strong dislike of certain foods based on the texture, colour, and smell as much as the taste.
• repetitively play with toys, such as lining and ordering.
• prefer routine, predictability and clear, unambiguous structure.

As well as these traits some autistic people may also:

• avoid speaking.
• talk 'at' people rather than having a two-way conversation.
• fail to understand or use social rules.
• be concerned with adherence to rules and become upset if not followed.
• take things literally or struggle to understand sarcasm, jokes, or other common figures of speech.
• have fewer friends and find it difficult to form or sustain new relationships.
• develop a very specific interest in a particular topic or subject.
• experience sensory difficulties related to vision, smell, touch, sound, and taste. This can mean an autistic person may be either very sensitive (hypersensory) and actively avoid sensory stimulation, or under-responsive (hyposensory) and seek additional sensory stimulation.

Autism is not a single condition, but a spectrum of closely related difficulties with shared characteristics. This means autistic people who are considered to have low, moderate, or substantial support needs. Every autistic individual will experience some challenges with:

• communication
• social skills
• sensory issues and,
• flexible thinking

The personal combination of issues will vary greatly between individuals. No two autistic people have exactly the same difficulties. This also includes differences between the autistic male and female expression. For more information on these differences see the The Scottish Womens Autism Network (SWAN), National Autistic Society (Scotland), and Scottish Autism.

For more information and a clear and concise guide, see Autism - a booklet for parents, carers and families of children and young people with autism Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

Siblings are also affected by autism and we have created a resource, in partnership with three students from Biggar High School. The resource is called Your Story, My Story, our Story and gives an account of the 'lived experience' of these siblings. Education Resources have also produced a guide to strategies to support Children and Young People with Extreme Demand Avoidance and a specific leaflet on the educational support needs of Autistic learners.