The National Autistic Society celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. And the organisation is currently holding virtual events and fundraising activities for World Autism Awareness Week, taking place from March 28 to April 3, 2022.
Ambassador Christine McGuinness is offering a "Super 60" Challenge with fundraising ideas to help inspire participants in the society's 60th anniversary year. The week will conclude with Spectrum Night Walks that are planned to take place in London and Manchester on April 2.
The week is designed not just to raise awareness but to promote increased acceptance and understanding of autism. With that in mind, the society's website tells us, "autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.
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One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK."
What are the seven main signs of autism?
It's important to remember that autism is a spectrum condition that affects people in diverse ways. Various signs can manifest themselves differently, depending on age and occasionally gender.
In young children, the NHS list these seven signs:
- Not responding to their name
- Avoiding eye contact
- Not smiling when you smile at them
- Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
- Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
- Not talking as much as other children
- Repeating the same phrases
However, in older children, the NHS go on to share a further seven indications:
- Not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling
- Finding it hard to say how they feel
- Liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
- Having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
- Getting very upset if you ask them to do something
- Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
- Taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like "break a leg"
Autism can occasionally present differently according to gender and can be harder to spot in younger girls. The NHS site goes on to say that autistic girls "may be quieter, may hide their feelings and may appear to cope better with social situations".
Retired Autism Specialist, Lindsay Fellowes, states: "Society needs to develop a greater awareness of the individuality of each person with autism."
How to get advice on autism
If you think your child may be autistic, the NHS recommends that you talk to your GP, Health visitor (children aged under five), any other health professionals your child may visit (such as other doctors or therapists) and special educational needs staff at their school.
You can find further information on the signs of autism in both children and adults by visiting the relevant section of the NHS website. The National Autistic Society can also offer more advice on what autism is, as well as other guidance and support.
You can also donate to the society online or via other methods.
