Autism is a not an illness, but rather a neurological difference that affects how people communicate and interact with others. If you are autistic, you are born autistic and will be autistic for your whole life.
Common behaviours for autistic children
Some of the main signs that your child is autistic are:
- carrying out activities in a repetitive way, for example always playing the same game in the same way, or repeatedly lining toys up in a particular order
- having very specific and intense special interests
- a preference for doing things in the same way
- differences with social interaction and social communication
- distressed behaviour such as biting, pinching, kicking, pica (putting inedible items in the mouth), or self-injury
- stimming or self-stimulating behaviour includes arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling, head-banging and complex body movements
Meltdowns and shutdowns
Exposure to sensory stimuli may make someone feel completely overwhelmed, which can lead to a meltdown.
Autistic children or young people can experience anxiety and may find dealing with situations and sensory input painful and distressing. For example, noise, smells and bright lights. They may become overwhelmed and experience a meltdown or shutdown.
Shutdowns are also caused by sensory overload and anxiety.
During these times, the person becomes still, unable to communicate or move. This is also known as a ‘freeze’ situation.
If a person is having a meltdown or a shutdown, you can:
- provide reassurance about the situation
- try to create a quiet, safe space
- ask people to move along and not to stare
- move away from bright lights or sirens
Some autistic people may show signs of distress before having a meltdown.
This is sometimes referred to as the ‘rumble stage’.
Calming strategies such as putting on headphones or ear defender may help to prevent reaching the meltdown stage.
Sensory sensitivities
Autistic people can experience differences in how they process sensory information, including things they see, hear, smell or touch.
Autistic people can be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to sensory information.
Each person’s sensory needs will be different. For example, someone might refuse to go to a place after experiencing the noise and confusion of a smoke alarm and fire drill.
Resources:
- A quick guide to autism (PDF)
- Post-diagnostic guides. Developed by psychologist Dr Emilia Misheva, these guides will help you find out more about autism and explore the individual profile of strengths and needs of your young person. They come in two versions - one for autistic young people and another one for parents, carers and professionals.
- What to do if you think your child might be autistic
