Autism is a developmental disability usually appearing during the first three years of life. It essentially affects the way information is taken in and stored in the brain. Because varying factors are thought to contribute to autism, people display varying degrees of impairment.
Symptoms and characteristics
People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and other activities. Impairments usually exist across three main areas of functioning.
Impairments of social interaction
Impairments of social interactions include:
- aloofness and failure to develop friendships
- seeking people's company without wanting to engage in two-way social interaction such as talking
- one-sided conversations which can be repetitive, for instance, the same question or phrase repeated several times
- avoidance of eye contact
- not being able to understand social rules, for example, making socially embarrassing comments unintentionally
- difficulty understanding the motivation, perspectives or feelings of others
- increased use of non-verbal communication behaviours, such as facial expressions and gestures.
Impairments in communication
Impairments in communication include:
- difficulty in starting or initiating conversations with others
- stereotyped use of language, such as using statements that they have heard others use without understanding its meaning or purpose fully.
Restricted or repetitive interests and activities
Impairments in interests and activities include:
- interests that are excessively narrow, intense or unusual
- preferring to stick to rigid or structured routines
- difficulty coping with changes
- stereotyped and repetitive movements
- pre-occupation with parts of objects.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
For specific workplace information relating to assisting individuals with autism in the workplace, please follow the link:
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
(Autism Association of Western Australia Inc. (no date specified); Autismhelp 2004; Autism Spectrum Australia 2005)
Case studies and success stories
For employers and managers:
For job seekers and employees:
For service providers:
References
Autism Association of Western Australia Inc. (no date specified), Brochure: What is Autism?, Autism Association of Western Australia Inc., Perth, viewed 6 March 2009, http://www.autism.org.au/BROCHUREWHAT%20IS%20AUTISM.pdf.
Autismhelp 2004, autismhelp.info, Autismhelp, Melbourne ,viewed 6 March 2009, http://www.autismhelp.info/main.htm.
Autism Spectrum Australia 2005, What is Autism?, Autism Spectrum Australia, Sydney, viewed 6 March 2009, http://www.aspect.org.au/about%20autism/whatis.asp.