Beyond the Spectrum: Autism Traits, Strengths & Communication Tips from an Expert
2021-05-06T13:42:00Z
Culture and Values
Introduction
The Brunel Foundation envisions a world in which young, senior and future professionals with autism are given the same opportunities to grow and succeed as everyone else.
On World Autism Day, Brunel Middle East & India brought this vision one step closer by hosting guest speaker and autism expert Olcay Connor to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), its unique traits within children, and how we can help those of all ages on the spectrum reach their full potential. Here’s what we learned.
Snapshot: Olcay Connor
Olcay Connor is a trainer and principal of Step by Step Centre in Qatar, a service centre for those with special needs. As a member of the Qatar Autism Task Force, EarlyBird Committee (Primary Health Care Corporation) and Accessibility Forum (Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy), she’s devoted over a decade of her career to supporting the training, inclusion and accessibility of people with autism.
Could you please explain to our audience why autism is called a Spectrum?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a hidden and lifelong neurological condition. The signs of ASD are perplexing and vary in kind and severity. Specialists categorize autism in three levels of functioning based on the levels of support needed, social communication skills and the restricted, repetitive behaviours observed.
How can you identify the early signs in the first 24 months?
A typically developing child has a varied progress rate, but there may be some indications that the little one is facing developmental milestone challenges. It is essential to act early and learn more about the initial signs during the preliminary stage, as the infant’s growth may be far behind the average age-specific milestones.
A lack of the following behavior could be early indicators of autism:
- Crawling by ten months
- Waving, pointing, or imitating gestures by 12 months
- Walking by 18 months
- Manipulating ring stacks, form boards, and nesting cups by 18 months
- Saying and understanding at least 50 words by 24 months
What about the general characteristics of autism?
Individuals with autism have distinct learning abilities and behavioural characteristics. ASD affects the development and brain of a child. The attributes and actions exhibited are unique to every individual on the spectrum. They might either be overactive or underactive, prefer routine, or have restricted interests and social interactions.
Typically, early signs include poor communication skills, atypical sensory processing, lack of eye contact, and minimal or no joint attention (attention to the same item). However, early intervention can help tackle developmental challenges to ensure all skills are balanced.