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Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autistic people may: 

  • Find it hard to communicate and interact with other people 

  • Find it hard to understand how other people think or feel 

  • Find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable 

  • Get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events 

  • Take longer to understand information 

  • Do or think the same things over and over

Autism is a spectrum. This means everybody with autism is different. Some autistic people need little or no support. Others may need help from a parent or carer every day. If you are concerned that your child may have traits of autism, some helpful information and websites are listed below. 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/autism-and-everyday-life/help-for-families/  

Top Tips 

  • use your child's name so they know you're speaking to them. 

  • keep language simple and clear. 

  • speak slowly and clearly. 

  • use simple gestures, eye contact and pictures or symbols to support what you're saying. 

  • allow extra time for your child to understand what you have said. 

  • Support routines and transitions. Most children with Autism are sensitive to abrupt change in routine and will learn best when they know what is happening. 

  • Use visual cues 

  • Incorporate sensory tools 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism  

https://www.autism.org.uk/ 

https://www.kentautistictrust.org/