autism -
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Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It is part of the autism spectrum and is sometimes referred to as an autism spectrum disorder, or an ASD. The word 'spectrum' is used because, while all people with autism share three main areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in very different ways. Some are able to live relatively 'everyday' lives; others will require a lifetime of specialist support.
Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
Some people live with autism for their entire life without ever getting a formal diagnosis. Often this is simply because autism wasn't widely known or understood when they were growing up. For adults, a diagnosis of autism can help to explain why they have always found certain things difficult. For children, it can mean that the right support is put in place from an early age.
Education can do a lot to improve the long-term opportunities of people with autism. Children and young people with autism and Asperger syndrome are entitled to extra help in early years settings, school, college and university – as well as at times of transition, when they move from one education setting to another.
The three main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share are sometimes known as the 'triad of impairments'. They are:
It can be hard to create awareness of autism as people with the condition do not 'look' any different. Parents of children with autism often say that other people simply think their child is naughty; while adults find that they are misunderstood.
All people with autism can benefit from a timely diagnosis and access to appropriate services and support.
Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
Some people live with autism for their entire life without ever getting a formal diagnosis. Often this is simply because autism wasn't widely known or understood when they were growing up. For adults, a diagnosis of autism can help to explain why they have always found certain things difficult. For children, it can mean that the right support is put in place from an early age.
Education can do a lot to improve the long-term opportunities of people with autism. Children and young people with autism and Asperger syndrome are entitled to extra help in early years settings, school, college and university – as well as at times of transition, when they move from one education setting to another.
The three main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share are sometimes known as the 'triad of impairments'. They are:
- difficulty with social communication
- difficulty with social interaction
- difficulty with social imagination.
It can be hard to create awareness of autism as people with the condition do not 'look' any different. Parents of children with autism often say that other people simply think their child is naughty; while adults find that they are misunderstood.
All people with autism can benefit from a timely diagnosis and access to appropriate services and support.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Bexley NAS are a parent led voluntary group, all of whom are the parents or carers of children who are on the Autistic Spectrum.
They offer a variety of social and leisure activities for children on the autism spectrum and their families living within Bexley Borough. The Bexley NAS branch benefits from having its own exclusive cinema screenings once a month, where older films suitable for children with an ASD and those with a learning disability are shown. Members can enjoy exclusive inflatable swimming and flumes sessions suitable for the whole family to have fun. Other activities include exclusive soft play sessions, family fun days, and family discos, computer games parties, and kids cookery lessons etc.
Contact; Juliet Roblett 07826 950496 or email bexley@nas.org.uk
Visit their webpage for more information: Bexley NAS
They offer a variety of social and leisure activities for children on the autism spectrum and their families living within Bexley Borough. The Bexley NAS branch benefits from having its own exclusive cinema screenings once a month, where older films suitable for children with an ASD and those with a learning disability are shown. Members can enjoy exclusive inflatable swimming and flumes sessions suitable for the whole family to have fun. Other activities include exclusive soft play sessions, family fun days, and family discos, computer games parties, and kids cookery lessons etc.
Contact; Juliet Roblett 07826 950496 or email bexley@nas.org.uk
Visit their webpage for more information: Bexley NAS
Parent 2 Parent Bexley
Monthly support group for parents of children with ASD and/or ADHD.
Contact - Sarah and Heidi via Facebook group; Parent 2 Parent Bexley - for families with ADHD & ASD (formerly Compass)
Monthly support group for parents of children with ASD and/or ADHD.
Contact - Sarah and Heidi via Facebook group; Parent 2 Parent Bexley - for families with ADHD & ASD (formerly Compass)
Another Girl Another Planet
Monthly support group for parents of girls with ASD in Bexleyheath.
Contact Jane Galloway via Facebook Group
Monthly support group for parents of girls with ASD in Bexleyheath.
Contact Jane Galloway via Facebook Group
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NATIONAL SUPPORT The National Autistic Society are the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. We provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism. Our work relies on your support, so please get involved or donate today. |
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Source: National Autistic Society Website June 2014