Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that lasts throughout life. It affects more boys than girls and includes the syndromes described by Kanner and Asperger.
ASD affects the way a person communicates, relates to people and understands the world around them. These difficulties are referred to as 'the triad of impairments'. For a diagnosis to be made, specific types and degrees of difference must be present in each of the three areas:
- Social interaction
- Social communication
- Flexibility of thought
Children and young people with autism vary greatly, as the effects of autism can be mild or severe and be influenced by age, personality, life experiences and any other disability the child or young person may have.
Kanner syndrome
Most children and young people with Kanner syndrome will have moderate or severe learning difficulties and up to half may not learn to use spoken language.
Asperger Syndrome
Children and young people with Asperger Syndrome have fewer problems with language and are less likely to have additional learning difficulties although they often experience problems with communication and motor skills.
Most children and young people with Asperger Syndrome attend a mainstream setting and school. As a result of the core differences, the problems with motor skills and unusual responses to sensory stimuli, children and young people with Asperger Syndrome often experience a range of difficulties in school. However, children and young people with Asperger Syndrome can also have considerable strengths, like a good memory for facts, exceptional concentration for activities of their choice or particular interests.
Due to the wide variation in the difficulties experienced within settings or schools, there has to be a corresponding variation in the provision made for children and young people with ASD. Some require no additional support or resources whilst others may have a Statement of Special Educational Needs and have a variety of different types and amounts of support.
Further information
For further information on Autistic Spectrum Disorder visit the National Autistic Society website at www.nas.org.uk. Click on the link in the 'Other websites' section on the right-hand side of this page. The following local contacts may also be useful:
- Supportive Parents - holds details of national and local organisations which offer information and support to parents and carers of children with special eductational needs and disabilities. Information and support line 0117 9897725, www.1bigdatabase.org.uk
- National Autistic Society (NAS) - South Gloucestershire Branch.
Meets at Little Stoke Community Hall on the first Wednesday of every month, except school holidays, 10.00-12.00 pm. For further information phone Kay Tily on 0117 939 0141. Email: nassouthgloucestershire@hotmail.com - Out of school clubs for chlidren and young people with Asperger Syndrome (12 - 16 years) contact Helen Hydes, development co-ordinator, NAS. Tel: 0117 974 8437