Omega Solutions

Behaviour Strategies and Training

Omega,

Sidsaph Hill,

Walkeringham,

DN10 4HP

Tel. 07540 707356 (Kevin)  Email: khayes@omegasolutions.co.uk

       07968 423795 (Julie)   Email: sensory@omegasolutions.co.uk

An autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger syndrome) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates with, and relates to, other people.

It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.

More boys are diagnosed with an ASD than girls: a ratio of 4:1.

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.

Each student with a diagnosis of an ASD will be different. Some will be very quiet, others will be noisy and in your face. However, because all children with an ASD experience difficulty with social interaction and communication they find it hard to learn how to play and get on with others. As they find it hard to fit in, often not understanding how other people feel, they can have problems in the classroom and in the playground, and in coping with the unexpected. They may not fully understand gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice.

Understanding teachers and other school staff, the reactions of other children and participating in class can be challenging for them as a result. Because of this lack of understanding, children with an ASD can be very vulnerable to bullying.

Children with an ASD may find it very hard to cope with changes to their timetable or to teaching staff, for example. They may also struggle with subjects that use abstract ideas.

However, all people with an ASD experience a fundamental difficulty in understanding other people's social communications and intentions, in having any form of empathy and in behaving in a way that will help them make and keep friends easily.

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