Autism
Like other autism/behavioural profiles, Asperger’s is a permanent developmental condition that affects how a person interacts with other people and perceives the environment around them.
A person with Asperger’s interprets and may experiencethe world around them in a different way that other people do. It is not a disease that can be ‘caught’ or ‘cured,’ and it is important to realise and accept.
Autism and Asperger’s are often associated with one another, and some believe we are all on some form of the spectrum.
Once your child receives a diagnosis, you will have many questions and be looking for the answers. One question that you may have is how is AS different and similar to other autism spectrum disorders? Asperger Syndrome exists as part of the autism spectrum but differs in early development of language from classic autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. After the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, it is important to explain and understand both similarities and differences between disorders on the spectrum.
Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism (HFA) are often referred to as the same diagnosis. While they currently exist as two separate diagnoses, there is an ongoing debate about whether that is necessary. It is possible that, in the future, they may be combined into one category. Individuals with HFA and AS have average or above average intelligence but may struggle with issues related to social interaction and communication. The diagnosis of either High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome can oftentimes feel frustrating to a parent and the child as it may seem that the terms are not clearly defined. It is essential to remember that both AS and HFA do present themselves largely the same way, and as a result may be treated in a similar way. The primary difference is that a diagnosis of HFA requires that, early in development, the child had delayed language whereas in AS, the child did not show a significant delay in language development.
If you or a family member is struggling with an autism diagnosis you may find it helpful to see your GP or meet with a trained counsellor or therapist.
At The Practice, we offer a wide range of help and support for issues surrounding autism, including; autism therapy, autism counselling, and much more. Please get in touch with us if you require help or would like any additional information.
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Useful Resources
Here's a list of resources and articleson autism you might find helpful.
Autism Parenting Magazine: Social Stories for Autistic Children
Social Stories are proven to be an excellent tool for helping children on the spectrum deal with new or unfamiliar social events. Developed by Carol Gray in 1991, they have greatly improved social skills in children with autism.
wondermoms.org
Wonder Moms is a project by three moms to share real talk, helpful information, and practical advice with parents of kids who have intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism, language and speech delays, deafness, chronic illness, and traumatic brain injury
The iPad game that spots autism
The way children play iPad games could reveal if they have autism, researchers have found.They found those with the condition used greater force and moved their finger in different ways. It is hoped the app could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment
Autism in Women is 'significantly under-diagnosed'
The National Autistic Society is calling for changes and improvements in the diagnosis of girls and women with the condition.
A List of articles from The Guardian on Autism
Holidays and days out for families with Autistic loved ones
The National Autistic Society has ideas for holidays and days out at autism-friendly venues plus tips for taking a child on the autism spectrum to different leisure venues.
Autistic Boy explains Autism
A YouTube Video
The websites below are aimed at people living in the United States but we thought the information might be helpful to those of us in the United Kingdom.
Legal Resources and Considerations for Seniors and Persons with Special Needs
Keeping Seniors and Special Needs Individuals Safe Around Construction
Creating A Home Where Your Child Can Thrive With A Disability
Disaster Safety & Assistive Technology: Protection for Seniors & the Disabled
Charities and support groups
Charities and support groups
Below you will find a comprehensive list of charities and support groups that offer help and assistance to anyone who is struggling with this mental health issue
Childline
The UK’s free and confidential helpline is not just for children, it provides help for young people of all ages who are in distress or danger. Counsellors provide advice and support, by phone and online, 24 hours a day.
You can get help and advice about a wide range of issues, including violence and abuse in your relationship on the Childline website. You can also talk to a counsellor online, send an email or post on the message boards.
Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in.
ChildLine has launched an app called Zipit. It helps you get flirty chat back on the right track. It's packed with killer comebacks and top tips to help you stay in control of your chat game. Find out more: childline.org.uk/zipit
Helpline: 0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk
Young Minds
Charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
www.youngminds.org.uk
Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4pm
Student Minds
Student Minds is the UK's student mental health charity. We believe that peer support can change the state of student mental health. Our vision is for students to take action to foster an environment where everyone has the confidence to talk and listen to each other, the skills to support one another and the knowledge to look after their own mental health.
Helpline: 08444 775 774 Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5.30pm (calls subject to charge)
http://www.studentminds.org.uk/anxiety-disorders.html
Support Line
SupportLine provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. The Helpline is primarily a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach the point of crisis. It is particularly aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse. SupportLine is a member of the Helplines Association. SupportLine also provides support by email and post.
http://www.supportline.org.uk
Helpline: 01708 765 200
Get Connected
Get Connected is the UK's free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help, but don't know where to turn.
Helpline: 0808 808 4994
Open from 11am - 11pm every day
http://www.getconnected.org.uk/
Counselling Directory
Counselling Directory aims to be the leading service for providing counselling advice and information - connecting those in distress with the largest support network in the UK.
http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Time to Change
Our aim is to start a conversation… or hopefully thousands of conversations.
We want to empower people with mental health problems to feel confident talking about the issue without facing discrimination. And we want the three quarters of the population who know someone with a mental health problem to talk about it too.
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
Have I got a Problem?
HaveiGotAproblem.com is a free online resource to help you understand issues or concerns you may have about mental health or addiction issues.
This site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
http://www.haveigotaproblem.com/
BACP
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.
https://www.bacp.co.uk
Mind - For Better Mental Health
We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
http://www.mind.org.uk
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army works closely with addiction referral services as well as providing specialist detox centres in the UK. This is complemented by rehabilitation and support programmes.
http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/addiction-support
Elefriends (run by Mind)
Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself.
We all know what it's like to struggle sometimes, and this is a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Whether you're feeling good right now, or really low, it's a safe place to share experiences and listen to others.
Shared experiences and perspectives are valuable and powerful. In this way Elefriends don't just get help, they give help too. In the good times and the bad.
www.elefriends.org.uk
Off The Record
We believe that young people need places to go which are easy to access, where you are treated with respect, and where you can get support and information to help you make your own life choices. Our services are friendly and welcoming – about 1,000 new young people visit us every year. Available in the Richmond borough.
http://otrtwickenham.com/
Barnardos
Barnardo’s believes in children regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability or behaviour. Our purpose as a charity today is to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children. We believe in the abused, the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the neglected. We will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.
www.barnardos.org.uk
Family Lives
Offers support to anyone parenting or helping to raise children, from newborn babies to young adults. There are free telephone and email helplines, parenting courses and information leaflets. The website offers lots of advice, real-life stories and relevant news as well as a helpful A-Z of related topics.
http://www.familylives.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 800 2222 (9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday;10am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday)