Characteristics of Autism

Individuals with ASD do not follow the typical patterns of child development. Some children show indications of future problems soon after birth. Other children have a normal development up to ages 12 to 36 months, when they begin to act strangely, lose language, and regress in the social skills they had previously demonstrated. In many cases, the problems in communication and social skills become more noticeable as the child lags further behind other children of their same age.

Common Autism Characteristics Include:

Sensory Issues

Many people with autism are extremely sensitive to certain sounds, lighting conditions, textures, tastes, and smells. Others may have an unusually high pain threshold, and yet find light touch to be unbearable.

Language Deficits

By age three, many children with autism have not passed the predictable linguistic milestones. Those who do speak often use language in unusual ways, such as speaking too loudly or quietly, using “professor-like” adult language, or repeating back words and dialogue that they have heard. Others may speak much later than other children, or remain without spoken language throughout their lives. Many learn to use communication systems such as pictures, computer devices, or sign language.

Social Skills Difficulties

Social understanding deficits make it difficult for some people with autism to make friends. Autism is characterized by a sensory processing delay, and many people with autism cannot process social experience at the speed that it is happening, causing them to become overwhelmed, anxious, angry, and depressed.

Emotional Regulation Challenges

Contrary to popular belief, people with autism have the same range of emotional experience as those without the condition. However, due to their sensory and neurological issues, it is common for people with ASD to have difficulty processing and regulating their emotions. This can result in emotional delays that may make the person an easy target for bullying, and may lead to anxiety and depression.

Behavioral Differences

Autism is neurological, not behavioral. The “behaviors” of autism come as a result of alternate brain wiring that causes processing speed delays and sensory integration issues. These behaviors are often the only means that autistic people have of regulating their environment and communicating their experience. Successful behavioral therapies acknowledge the autistic person’s behavior, while teaching them ways to communicate with the world around them.

Special Interests (also called Perseverations)

Many people with autism have special interests, subjects that they are passionately focused on to the exclusion of all other topics. Most special interests can be translated into academic studies that can lead to lifetime employment in the area of interest. It is important to start early to identify the autistic person’s special interest and select marketable trades that utilize these interests.

 

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  • Autism Resources

  • Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community

    Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community

    Saturday, May 18th

    Stage AE on the North Shore

    REGISTER AS A WALKER OR DONATE HERE

  • Autism Friendly Performance of Disney's The Lion King

     

    Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
    The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to partner with Disney Theatrical Productions for this very special performance of Disney’s The Lion King. This presentation will be a sensory-friendly performance that allows families with members on the Autism spectrum to experience a regular Broadway production with several alterations that meet the needs of the audience. Pittsburgh will be the third city to offer this type of program, and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust remains committed to making theater and the arts accessible to all audiences.
    The ticket purchasing process is as follows:
    • a brief questionnaire will need to be completed
    • choose the ticket price you would like to order
    • you will then receive a phone call from The Benedum Center                                                     asking for seat selections, based on your family’s needs

    PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

     

  • Three Rivers Rowing Event

    June 8, 2013, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

    From Enjoy a day learning about the Adaptive Paddle Program at Three Rivers Rowing Association — tour the facility, explore the equipment, try the practice tanks and sit in a dragon boat in the water.  Children ages 12 and older are encouraged to participate, along with their families and support staff.

    REGISTER HERE

     

  • Amusement Park Tickets

    SINCE THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS, PLEASE CALL

    AUTISM CONNECTION OF PA’S OFFICE AT 412-449-0165 FOR ORDERS.  THANK YOU

     

    IDLEWILD — $20.00 — tickets valid WEEKDAYS only, May 27th, June 7th-August 8th and September 2nd

    SANDCASTLE — $15.00 — tickets valid any day

    KENNYWOOD — $23.00 — tickets valid any day in May, June and September.  Valid WEEKDAYS in July and August.