Showcase Magazine Summer 2025 - Flipbook - Page 11
SEND
SUPPORTING SEND
Autism
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a
person experiences the world around them. It’s called a spectrum because it affects people in many different
ways – no two autistic people are exactly the same.
Autistic people may:
Find social interactions and communication more difficult (e.g., reading body language, starting or maintaining
conversations)
Prefer routines and find change or unpredictability upsetting
Have intense interests in specific topics or activities
Experience sensory differences (e.g., sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells)
Process information in unique and detailed ways
It’s important to remember that autism looks different for everyone. Some autistic people need a lot of support in
daily life, while others may live quite independently.
Autism can be diagnosed at any age, though signs often appear in early childhood. Some people are diagnosed
as young children, while others may not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or even adulthood – particularly
women and girls, who can sometimes be overlooked due to masking. Diagnosis is usually made by a team of
specialists, such as paediatricians, psychologists, and speech and language therapists. It’s based on behaviour,
development history, and how someone communicates and interacts with others.
Managing Autism for Yourself:
Know Your Triggers and Needs: Take note of situations that cause stress, overload, or shutdowns;
understanding your sensory profile can help: are you more sensitive to noise, touch, light, or smells?
Create a Predictable Routine: Having a structure for your day can help reduce anxiety, and visual timetables,
alarms, or to-do lists can make transitions and tasks easier to manage.
Embrace Your Interests: Special interests can be a powerful source of joy, calm, and self-expression.
Use Supports That Work for You: Noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, weighted blankets, fidget tools,
or quiet spaces can all help. There’s no right or wrong - if it works for you, do it!
Learn to Say No (and Rest!): Autistic burnout is real. Don’t feel pressured to "mask" or push yourself too hard.
Seek Support and Community:
Managing Autism for Another:
Listen First: Every autistic person is different. Ask how they experience the world, what they like, and what
they find difficult. Remember to respect their voice, even if they communicate differently (e.g., using gestures,
writing, or assistive tech).
Support, Don’t Force: Don’t try to
