I am special (Understanding Autism)

Special needs children can very often be neglected by mainstream schools due to the lack of understanding and proper identification process.

As parents, we are guilty of labelling our children as naughty when they misbehave but it may not be always the case. It could be lack of attention and coping skills for their special needs. Even normal children can misbehave and with proper intervention programme, we can start to see progressive improvement in them. No instant noodles here but it takes patience to groom and cultivate the habits that you want to see in your children.

One important fact that we must remember is that having special needs is not the choice of our children so we cannot blame them. You cannot expect a cripple to walk but provide him with a stick or wheelchair to get him going. Special needs like Autism is a lack of certain functioning without the brain that can be assisted with intervention for help.

How do I know whether my child has Autism?

Some of the common characteristics are:

1. Severe delay in understanding social relationships. (Avoid eye contact, in his own work, unable to develop friendships etc)
2. Inconsistent Patterns of sensory (fail to respond to words or other sounds, distressed by everyday noise, insensitive/over-react to pain, cold or heat etc)
   3)Marked restriction of activity and interests (repetitive similar activity over and over again, repetitive actions like spinning or rocking, change of routine causes stress)

Possible learning habits:

1. Visual learners (Understand better to what they see than what they hear)
2. Rote memory (require many repetitions to learn and recall information)

How can we help them?

1. Avoid talking to them loudly
2. Combine pictures and words when coaching them as they learn more effectively through visuals
3. Avoid last minute changes. If changes have to be made, inform them in advance as they will be anxious
4. Give short and simple instructions
5. Don't be offended when they are blunt or rude in their comments or behaviours as they lack communication skills
   and social skills.
   6)If you find their speech or behaviour inappropriate, do not ignore them but let them know as they need to learn the
   social norm
6. Write down the rules or routines that you would like them to have daily as they learn by routines.

This post may not have given the most comprehensive information about Autism but I do hope it raises awareness and understanding of others when you do face with a friend or a child with special needs. They need us to accept them and understand them especially if you are their parents.

Never give up on them as there can always be intervention programmes that can help them to progress and cope with their special needs. There is no cure except to pray to God for a miracle. Accept them as they are and work from there. Seek advice from professional and don't just label them as naughty due to our lack of understanding or pride in some cases.

Hope is always there when you don't give up on them. Have patience and continue the journey with them!