An Introduction to Autism

 Autism is a spectrum(group of different disabilities) characterized by having

difficulties in accessing community activities, leisure facilities and other services.
 It is known by many different names
1. Asperger’s Syndrome
2. Pervasive Development Disorder
3. Autistic Spectrum Condition
 Factors Affecting Autism
1. A mutation in X chromosome
2. Environmental Factors
 Parental Age
 Poor maternal nutrition
 Premature birth
 It is a lifelong condition and affects people from all background
 More than half a million children in Pakistan are currently suffering from it
 Highly misunderstood in Pakistan: probably a result of lack of awareness
 Autistic Children have differences in the Following areas:

Social communication Imaginations

And Interaction

Unusual eye Responses repetitive restricted behaviour

 Social Barriers

 Speech(cannot understand sarcasm)

 Language(may interpret everything literally)
 Gestures(avoid them)
 Eye contact(might be perceived as rude)
 Tone of voice(their tone may not reflect their feelings)
Y
 Impact of these barriers

 Showing Empathy for others(lack theory of mind)

 Understanding humour
 Engaging in conversations
 Find it difficult to fit with others
 Difficulty in making friends
Intellectual flexibility and imagination

 Problem Solving
 Relating to others
 Coping with changes
 Predicting outcome of events

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

 Impact of intellectual barriers on their
life
 When problem solving, we rely on our imaginations
 Playing team games require strong social skills
 Difficulty in academic subjects like math( can be exceptions)
 How can you help

 Studies have shown that by engaging in interactive activities consistently,

social and intellectual improvement can be observed
 It will be volunteers task to come up with interactive activities for every
week
 Examples of Activities(list is open to suggestions)
• Solving different puzzles of various levels
• Children introducing themselves in front of class. A task can be to
memorize the names and one characteristic of each of their classmate
• Engaging in role playing activities
• Playing musical chairs, ludo and chess
• Staring contest
 Things to consider while
communicating with Autistic children
 Speak slowly and clearly: avoid the use of hand gestures metaphors or facial
expressions
 Keep instructions short
 Allow them time to process information
 Maintain cool tone at all times
 No more than two people should stand near a group of autistic children
 In case of unresponsive behaviour, do not try to force the conversation
 Appreciate them at all times even if they are wrong
 Avoid eye contact if it is making them uncomfortable
 In case of any problem, immediately approach me or one of the psychologist
nearby