What Exactly Is Autism?
No two people are the same, even identical twins. This is also true of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As the name suggests, the severity or mildness of autism can vary hugely.
Cali & Caro recognizes that people with autism are individuals, just as much as anyone else. With unique talents and abilities, as well as personal perspectives and outlooks, we believe autism people should be celebrated and supported.
A lack of awareness and understanding can contribute to people with autism, particularly in schools, having negative experiences. To reduce this, and empower students with ASD, we’re answering the question, “what exactly is autism?”
What Is Autism?
Autism is not an illness or a deficiency. Neither does it have an impact on a person’s level of intelligence. ASD is a life-long developmental condition, effecting the brain’s neurological processing. In turn, autism impacts how a person experiences and interacts with the world around them.
Although there has been lots of research into what causes this difference in the brain, an exact cause of autism has not yet been pinpointed. This condition is something someone is born with, and the signs and symptoms may be evident from a young age or not present themselves until they are older.
Since autism is not a medical condition, there is no treatment or “cure”. However, there are therapies that can support the development of autistic people’s learning from a young age. With each case of autism being different, there are a wide range of signs and symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms of Autism
People with ASD often face challenges around social interaction and communication. Depending on the severity of the condition, this could be due to difficulty speaking, or challenges with confidence and anxiety.
Other symptoms of autism include restricted or repetitive behaviors, as well as intensely focussed interests and hobbies. Due to differences in the brain, autistic people can struggle to learn, move, or pay attention in the same way as a neurotypical person might.
Although this varies, signs of autism in children can include:
Avoiding eye contact
Not smiling back at someone
Getting very upset at a sound, taste, or smell they don’t like
Repetitive movements, like rocking their body, or waving their hands
Repeating phrases
Not talking as much as other children
Engaging less in pretend play
Things can be slightly different for adults. The signs of autism in grown-ups can be:
Difficulty empathizing with others
Extreme social anxiety
Preferring being alone, or difficulty making friends
Struggles with communicating their feelings
Coming across blunt or rude unintentionally
Taking things very literally, or struggling to understand sarcasm
Getting anxious when their daily routine is disrupted
Sensory Impact for autism
People with autism may experience over or under stimulation to the senses, including touch, smell, taste, and sounds, temperatures, lights, and pain. This present numerous challenges throughout every day life, since it is difficult to control every environment they are in to accommodate these over or under sensitivities.
An example of this would be in school. Some background chatter, that neurotypical students may be able to ignore and concentrate with, could be incredibly distracting for a student with ASD. In some cases, this noisy chatter could even feel painful, causing much distress.
Despite these sensory challenges, some simple adjustments can be made that have a big positive impact on the comfort and happiness of someone with autism.
Autism at School
Some young people with ASD may need to be educated in a specialist school that is fully equipped to support autism. However, plenty of students with ASD are able to learn and socialize in mainstream schools. It is a mistake to connect autism with low intelligence – it is a developmental disorder, rather than a learning difficulty.
Lots of autistic students find it easier to learn when their senses are engaged. This could be achieved through visual learning, or interactive activities in the classroom. Making learning materials more eye-catching, by using colors, can help aid focus on tasks. Providing colorful pens, or autism-friendly stationery, can help a child with ASD feel more included and accepted.
Autism & Self-Esteem
Autism and anxiety have a strong link. Due to the numerous challenging situations, a person with ASD can face every day, their mental health can be compromised. This, plus a lack of support or understanding from their peers, can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Sadly, low self-esteem and confidence is not uncommon in autistic people. This is why it’s so vital to support someone’s unique talents and abilities, and empower people with ASD to fulfil their potential.
Empowering Autism with Cali & Caro
Sometimes, all people need is a little understanding and some thoughtful gestures to feel confident and accepted. At Cali & Caro, we offer specially designed products, from notebooks to self-care, to empower people with autism to achieve their goals and experience life more comfortably.
Our online shop offers a range of fantastic gifts, ideal for school or home, that take into consideration the sensory needs of neurodivergent and autistic people. Head to our website to explore the full collection today!