AUTISTIC children have variations in their brain signals, meaning they do not see the world through the same eyes as most people – they analyse and process information in their own way. Some autistic children cannot speak or write; they find other ways (such as pointing and using picture symbols) to convey their needs. All children on the autism spectrum have communicative or social problems.

However, there are also high-functioning autistic people (and children) with remarkable memories and high IQs. They usually become fixated with anything they take an interest in and can be a great asset in the workplace because they think outside the box and not in a conventional manner.

Producers create fictional movies about autistic children who can decode intricate cryptic messages and hack the highest-ranking top-secret computers. Some autistic children draw highly sophisticated designs and some complete University at the tender age of ten.

Autistic symptoms can be mild and barely detectable (especially in girls). They can also be moderate or severe to the point where a child might display repetitive or odd behaviour – such as rocking back and forth, flapping their arms, making strange noises, or shouting. Most people would find such behaviour alarming, but there is a reason for their unusual actions.

People who work with Autistic children, or families with guidance, understand that autistic children need environments that suit their particular requirements – to help them function in the world. They need empathy, love, patience and space to live their best lives.

One woman recalls; Even when my son was old enough to smile back at me, babble and interact, he was silent and not as responsive as his siblings were at that age. I spoke to the Health Visitor, who advised me to try different toys and books to stimulate and enhance his development.

An example of a case of moderate autism would be a child who needs to have the same things in place every day; that is how his brain operates. It helps him feel secure in knowing that everything is done the same way all the time. Each day he sits in a specific chair at the breakfast table and eats the same things using the same cup and bowl. If someone is in his seat one morning, he might become highly disturbed and react negatively. His reaction could be physical – shouting, running off, or refusing to eat anything. Forcing him to comply with threats and punishment, like you might to a neuro-typical child, would only lead to further distress and challenging behaviour – he is neuro-diverse.

Although he looks like his peers and attends school; when it comes to making friends, he does not understand the social cues that other children take for granted. Simple things like making and maintaining eye contact, laughing at jokes, reading other people’s facial expressions and body language, and contributing appropriately to conversation among peers. He may or may not be highly intelligent, but he does not enjoy school because he feels like a misfit. His brain does not conform to social norms.

A day care worker said; Although we encouraged Alison (aged 3) to interact with the other children, she preferred to play alone. She was happy to sit in a group at story time, but she’d go off again on her own afterwards. When you ask her anything, she nods or shakes her head, and if she wants anything, she will hold your hand and pull you to what she wants; sometimes, you have to guess. We are working alongside the parents to support her language and social development.

The average person cannot point the finger at someone and say they have autism, as autism is not a singular ailment; it is a spectrum disorder with associated features- no two children will have precisely the same symptoms, behaviours or reactions. Diagnosis should be made through a doctor, psychologist, paediatrician, or therapist.

Along with a lack of communication skills, a autistic children could be sensitive to or obsessed with certain things they touch, smell, taste, see or hear. Their senses can be either over-sensitive or under-sensitive. In the latter’s case, they would need to find ways to compensate. Some autistic children have the eating disorder PICA – where they tend to eat weird things like toilet paper, soil or other non-food items.

Autistic children find it hard to read facial expressions, which means they also have trouble expressing themselves. This is sometimes mistaken for a lack of empathy or compassion. Luckily, they can be taught certain traits and qualities over time through role play and repetition.

A Father said: It was not a surprise when my son was assessed, and the doctor confirmed that he is on the spectrum; in fact, it was a bit of a relief. During his day care and primary school days, he struggled socially and could not keep up with the class. He didn’t notice that his social skills were poor and few children bothered to play with him in the playground, but he was cool with everyone. I learnt to understand how he thinks – he has his way of doing things.

Health visitors and people who work in child care may recognise when a child is not developing in the usual way or has diverse reactions or behaviours. It is part of their training to pick up on characteristics in young children that may signal a developmental disability, condition or disorder. Autism is a life-long condition that needs to be managed by those who have it- and assisted by those who can help.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY