Autism
Autism is a condition that affects how autistic people interact and communicate with others.
It’s not an illness or a disease, it’s something you are born with and is present for life.
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Early years and family supportEarly years and family support
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Resources and coursesResources and courses
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Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for SEND childrenEducation, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for SEND children
Explore some of the common questions asked about Autism:
Autism symptoms
Autism symptoms
The symptoms of autism will be different for everyone- it’s a spectrum. Autistic people may need a carer, or they may need very little or no support at all.
Signs of autism can include:
- Repeated movements, e.g. moving their hands or fingers and rocking back and forth
- Not making eye contact
- Repeating words or phrases
- Not responding to their name or to you smiling at them
- Not talking much
- Sensitivity to tastes, sounds and smells
- Not understanding what others are saying or feeling
- Struggling to adapt to little changes, e.g. a slightly different routine before school
- Difficulty expressing how they feel
- Difficulty making friends.
What causes autism?
It isn’t clear what causes autism, but it is present from birth.
How to get tested for autism
If you suspect your child may be showing signs of autism, in the first instance see your GP. You could also speak to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at your child’s school.
If necessary, your child will be referred for an assessment. The specialist will ask questions, examine your child and observe their behaviour. If there is an autism diagnosis, the specialist may suggest certain things your child may need help with.
Treatment
There is no cure for autism as it’s due to brain development. It therefore isn’t an illness and treatable. However, following diagnosis the specialist can suggest ways to ways to manage day to day life.
NAS Earlybird Plus and NAS Teen Life
NAS Earlybird Plus (ages four-nine) and NAS Teen Life (ages 10-16) are support programmes for parents and carers. We offer advice and guidance using proven strategies and approaches to working with young autistic children.
Parenting a child with autism
Parenting an autistic child might be challenging at times. Each child is unique and therefore there is no one-size fits all for ways to parent but the following can be helpful:
- Attend an Earlybird, Earlybird Plus or Teen Life course. These courses can give you the information, understanding and confidence to parent your autistic child.
- Try changing how you communicate. This can make talking to your child easier for them. This could include asking specific questions (e.g. ‘Did you enjoy the park?’ rather than ‘How was the park?’), slowing down your speech or giving them extra time to reply.
- Create routines. Keep to your routines as much as possible as autistic children find change difficult. You may wish to stick up routines on the fridge so everyone can see them.
- Keep a notebook of problems to try and notice the triggers. Over time if there is a pattern you may be able to avoid triggers in the future.
- Learn about meltdowns. Autistic meltdowns are an expression of feeling overwhelmed rather than a tantrum.
Symptoms of autism in girls
- mask signs of autism by imitating how other children act and play
- avoid situations that they find tricky
- seem to cope in with social situations
- show less signs of repeated behaviours.
