What is ASD?

Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are part of what is known as the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a condition that affects how a person communicates and relates to others, which can result in difficulties in social relationships and communication. They also have limitations in imagination and creative play.

Whilst some individuals with Autism are lacking in verbal skills, other sufferers with ASD can have good verbal skills and their grammar and vocabulary may be very good. However, their speech may be repetitive and can be focused on their special interests or obsessions. They are usually obsessed with complex topics such as patterns, weather, music and technology.

People with ASD have unusual forms of self stimulation behaviour and their movements are often clumsy and awkward. They are often overly sensitive to sounds, taste, smells and eating only certain foods.

The ASD sufferer can be extremely bothered by sounds or lights no one else can see or hear.

Reading body language is very difficult for sufferers of ASD and they have trouble determining personal body space - they are socially aware but often react in the wrong way. It is because of this that they are viewed as odd or eccentric and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying.

As soon as we meet people we are able to make judgements about them. By looking at them we can guess their age or status and by looking at their facial expressions or listening to the tone of their voice to know if they are happy, angry, sad etc. and are able to respond in an appropriate manner. People with ASD do not have this natural ability and consequently find it difficult to read the signals which come naturally to others. As a result of this, communicating and interacting with others is difficult for the ASD sufferer.

Various main traits of ASD

• dislike of being touched or being in close contact with others
• few interests
• ritualistic behaviour
• limited or no social interaction and/or relationships
• few or no friends

Traits of Asperger's Syndrome (including the list of ASD):

• normal or high IQ
• difficulties in reading body language
• anxiety
• depression
• frustration
• vulnerability
• difficulties with planning, time or management
• lack of empathy with others
• obsessions
• clumsiness/awkwardness
• poor communication skills