What is Autism
Unique way of thinking
Unique way of thinking
Unique way of thinking
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person’s brain develops and functions. It is not a disease or disorder - it is about difference.
Sensory processing
Unique way of thinking
Unique way of thinking
For many autistic people their senses are heightened, whether it is sound, sight, touch, taste etc. This can cause sensory overload, and it can affect the person in different ways. Sensory issues can override our daily functions.
Social skills
Unique way of thinking
Executive function issues
Due to the difference in brain processing and how we see the world, this may lead to social issues. Often it is more about not being able to relate and understand how others say or do things. We often end up preferring our own company as it becomes too overwhelming.
Executive function issues
Executive function issues
Executive function issues
Executive functioning in the brain is like the CEO of company - organising all the other sections to get to a common goal. Many people lack one or more components of executive, or process things differently and this can affect everyday tasks.
Strengths and Interests
Executive function issues
Strengths and Interests
Autistic people have a unique ability to hyper focus on an interest or topic and can be highly motivated when in the flow of this information. Using this special interest in teaching can assist the autistic person to be motivated on task and develop their abilities.
Comorbid issues
Executive function issues
Strengths and Interests
Although not caused by each other, many diagnoses are comorbid with autism, these can range but are not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyslexia etc.
Often a diagnosis can be blurred by other underlying issues.