Over the past few weeks we have explored some of the background information relating to the autism spectrum, such as it's history and causes, as well as focusing on the importance of using a person-centered approach and the language we use.
Over the next few weeks I will share with you some information about the difficulties people with autism may face in everyday situations. We will look at these again when we meet, and this understanding will help us in our communication and meetings with students who are on the autism spectrum.
This week will focus on difficulties with social communication and social interaction. Many people on the autism spectrum find social situations challenging, and while they want to have friends and relationships they can find it difficult making and maintaining friendships. Starting University can be challenging for anyone, and can be particularly difficult for someone on the autism spectrum - meeting new people, managing social events, coping with shared accommodation, group work etc. They may come across as insensitive or as behaving socially unacceptably. Sometimes they may need time alone if they are feeling overloaded. For some, these factors can result in feeling socially isolated.
"Raining cats and dogs"
Social communication and interaction
People on the autism spectrum may have difficulties with verbal communication, such as taking what people say literally, as well as non-verbal communication, for example, understanding tone of voice or facial expressions. This can mean that they don't understand jokes or sarcasm, and are unable to tell when people are angry or upset. Think about some of the phrases used in everyday society "pull your socks up", "use a bit of elbow grease" or "it's cool" (when we are not talking about the temperature!)
While some people may have learned how to understand facial expressions by learning through visual cues such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) they may still have difficulties understanding the expectations others have in a conversation. They may want to talk about their own interests without following the 'social rules' of conversation, for example, asking about the other person's interests. Have a look at this short video on anxiety in social situations from the National Autistic Society's (NAS) 'Too much information and us' series which shares the experiences of a group of young people on the autism spectrum.
There's a great page on the NAS website called Communicating and interacting which gives some tips on how to communicate more effectively with people on the autism spectrum. Remember, they may need time to process what you have said to be able to answer you, they may feel that they are getting too much information and need to filter what is relevant or irrelevant. In this situation you can give use the 6 second rule - be quiet for 6 seconds and then repeat the question.
Have a look at this video from the most recent NAS campaign, 'Too much information' which gives you an idea of how it might feel when you are being asked lots of questions without having time to process the information:
Another useful video from the 'Too much information and us' series' shows the group discussing the topic of processing information, which includes communicating through email, following verbal instructions
This week I am sharing some resources that my colleagues and peers on my course have shared with me.
In an earlier blog I mentioned the brilliant book by Steve Silberman called Neurotribes. apparently you can get a free audio book through Audible, available here. All you need to do is set up a 30-day free trial.
Here is the link to a 30 minute documentary created by Artvelde University College, Ghent. In it 6 former students with AS talk about their experiences in the transition to Higher Education and during their sttudies. While the documntary isn't in English it does have English subtitles.
There's a new series on Netflix which is getting mixed reviews. It's called Atypical and the main character is an 18-year old American high school students who is looking for a relationship, have a look at the Netflix link here.
The Guardian have reviewed the series here. The Child Mind Institute have also blogged about the series 'Netflix's'Atypical' splits autism community'. I'm going to give it a go while I'm on holiday!
Contact
If you have any queries or concerns over the Summer you can contact me directly at lesley.english@cumbria.ac.uk
I look forward to meeting you all in September.
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