Let’s talk about Numbers:
80%
More than 80% of autistic young people report experiencing mental health problems
28x
Autistic children are 28x
more likely to experience known suicidal ideation and attempts
63%
63% of parents said their autistic child had missed school in the previous 2 years due to anxiety
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Celebrating Differences
As we look back through history, we've always seen differences between people.
Autism presents a unique way of perceiving the world. People with autism may process information differently from neurotypical individuals, leading to varied interactions with their environment and those around them. Most autistic people encounter difficulties in communication, socialising, and imaginative thinking. It's worth mentioning that many autistic individuals thrive without specific support, especially in environments tailored to accommodate their needs.
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Autism impacts over one in a hundred children.
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Approximately four times as many boys as girls are typically diagnosed with autism, although this may indicate under-diagnosis in girls.
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To receive an autism diagnosis, the behaviours must start before the age of three.
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Repeating words/phrases without context
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Leading an adult to the biscuit tin instead of asking or pointing
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Interpreting language too literally
Communication
Social Interactions
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Preferring to play alone
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Facing challenges in making friends
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Difficulty understanding others' thoughts and emotions
Repetitive or Restrictive Behaviours
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Engaging in repetitive physical behaviours like hand flapping or toe walking (often for self-soothing or self-stimulation)
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Following repetitive routines like lining up items, playing with a toy in the same manner each time, or sticking to the same route
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Seeking out specific visual or auditory experiences like spinning toy train wheels, observing fence bars, or listening to favourite program theme tunes
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Showing restrictions around certain activities like eating only yellow food, repeatedly watching the same program, or insisting on wearing a favorite jumper
Other Characteristics of Autism
Autistic individuals may or may not exhibit the following:
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Exceptional attention to detail
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Sensory differences, especially when children are hypersensitive to stimuli like distress from loud noises
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Challenges with coordination
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Unusual eating habits such as only consuming certain foods
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Additional learning difficulties
This summary highlights some common challenges that may occur, but it's essential to recognize and appreciate the numerous strengths and unique abilities that all autistic individuals possess.
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