Autistic Pride Day: how we can help and support individuals with Autism as as society

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Autism is often diagnosed in early childhood, and while it is a lifelong condition, early intervention and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Within the UK, approximately 700,000 people live with autism with a prevalence rate of 1 in 100 (National Autistic Society, 2023). There are about three to four times as many males diagnosed with ASD than females (Frith, 2008).?

The question of what exactly causes Autism is complex to answer with a multifaceted layer of possible causes being suggested. Information from neuro-imaging scans seems to suggest differences in the brain function of people with AS, most notably in the frontal and temporal regions of the cortex.

Some people experience difficulties with Theory of Mind (ToM), that is, the ability to understand thoughts, emotions and intentions in others. This means that it becomes difficult for someone with ASD to understand that emotions, opinions, and ideas might be based on personal beliefs and not on facts making it challenging to understand the goals of others or to predict their behaviour (Baron-Cohen et al. 2007).

People with? ASD can develop intense special interests (Atwood, 2007). These can fulfil several functions: they provide comfort? as? an? escape ? from? the? chaotic? outside world, help create understanding of the outside world, provide a sense of identity, and stimulate the creation of an imaginary world which is easier to comprehend (Atwood, 2007). There may also be hypersensitivity in one or more senses, often smell, sound and light. People with ASD tend to have excellent long-term memory and highly developed visual thinking (Atwood, 2007). It is also important to note that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals differently. While some individuals with autism may have difficulty with communication and social interaction, others may excel in certain areas, such as maths or music. It is important to embrace and support the diversity of individuals with autism and to work towards creating a more inclusive society.

With the advent of Autism Awareness month, it is helpful to think about ways in which the society we live in can help and support individuals with Autism. It is very clear having spoken and worked with many individuals with Autism that they experience the world differently. We need to enhance inclusion, diversity and colour to the world we live in.??

Some suggestions of how environments could best help individuals with Autism:

Consider lighting in rooms: Overly? bright and coloured areas can increase hypersensitivity and be over-stimulating.??

Paying attention to levels of noise: Have quiet areas as some people with Autism can hear sounds at many different decibels above those others can hear.??

Don’t forget the importance of touch and sensitivity: Many aspects of our world involve embracing and handshakes as a way of showing human connections, however for individuals with ASD this may create negative feelings and reactions.?

Paying attention to the types of smells used within our environments. Some individuals with ASD find smells overwhelming and can experience nausea.??

These are just some ideas of how our current environments can enhance the experience of individuals with autism.

In conclusion, while there is still much to learn about autism, we can create a more understanding and inclusive society for individuals with autism.

REFERENCES:

Atwood, Tony. The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007. Print.

Asperger, H. (1944). Die “autistischen Psychopathen” im Kindesalter, Archiv fur Psychiatrie ? und ? Nervenkrankheiten, ? 117, ? 76–136 [Autistic ? psychopathy ? in childhood] (U. Frith (Ed.), Trans., (1991), Autism and Asperger syndrome

“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 12 2015. Web. December 13 2015.

Baron-Cohen, Simon, Alan M. Leslie and Uta Frith. (1985)? Does the autistic child have a “theory. of mind”? Cognition, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 37–46..

Frith, Uta. Autism: Explaining the Enigma. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1989. Print. Harman, Graham. On the Horror of Phenomenology: Lovecraft and Husserl,Collapse, vol. IV, 2010(2008), pp. 333-364

Hadjikhani N, Joseph RM, Snyder J, Tager-Flusberg H. (2006).? Abnormal activation of the social brain during face perception in autism. Hum Brain Mapp