What is Autism?
Autism is a spectrum of
pervasive and complex disorders of
brain development.
Autism is different for each
individual.
Characteristics are severe deficits in
social interactions
and communication
a person with autism may
-
have trouble talking or listening
-
have difficulty making friends and interacting
-
find it hard to make eye contact or tolerate touches
they may have
repetitive behaviors or thoughts
sensory processing difficulties
intellectual and/or emotional delays
these issues commonly result in
anxiety and actions
that could be mistaken as “acting our” or misbehaving
there is a difference between
a tantrum and a meltdown!
With a tantrum the child seeks to control others
a meltdown occurs when a child cannot control their own
thoughts or feelings resulting in
“outbursts” or “shut-down”.
A person with autism may
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flap their arms or rock
-
move or yell at inappropriate times
-
cover their ears or hide in a tight spot
-
or they may appear “normal”.
How can we help?
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Be happy when they are happy
-
be patient and understanding when they are overwhelmed
-
support and encourage parents/ caregivers
-
be careful not to judge parenting, instead offer help
Lifebythestream 