What is Autism spectrum? By Adeola Thompson
Autism spectrum disorder is a broad spectrum of lifelong developmental disorder that affects the way a person view the world. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function. This brings about the triad of impairment, which are social interaction, communication, imagination and sensory problems. Autism spectrum disorder is a broad spectrum and no two people will have exactly the same symptoms.

It is believed by experts that Autism symptoms presents itself during the first three years of a person’s life. Also, it is believed that there is no cure for autism and most treatments are directed to the symptoms not the condition. A person with ASD typically has difficulty with social and communication skills.
Social interaction with people by a person ASD is different compared to how the rest of people behaves. If the symptoms are mild or moderate, the person may be viewed as inappropriate due to their clumsiness or offensive comments. If the symptoms are severe, the person may not be interested in people and withdrawn.
Also, someone with ASD may make very little eye contact. This is not applicable to everyone on the spectrum because some autistic people do improve with eye contact. A person with ASD may also struggle with skills of being fully involved in a conversation or how to take turns whilst talking to a person or group of people. Having conversation with a person with ASD may seem one-way. The person might just want to talk about his love for a particular thing or subjects.
A person with Autism spectrum disorder may lack empathy, not understanding and being aware of the feelings of other people. Although, this can improve with time when all people involved in the CARE of the person reminds him of the ability to take other people’s feeling into account.
There is also the love for routine and difficulty with minor or major changes in their daily activities. A person with ASD also prefer to stick to a set of behaviour. For example, if a child with ASD goes to school in a particular route and the parent changes that due to unforseen circumstances. The child may have a meltdown due to that because of his love for routine.
Most children with ASD do not like to be touched, most especially surprisingly. However, some children will hug a relative- mother, father grand parents and sibling(s) or teacher. Loud noises are unpleasant for a person with ASD, some smells and intense lighting. This can be shocking because they were not being able to prepare for it happening.
I hope you can learn a thing or two regarding the difficulty of social interaction with a person with Autism spectrum disorder. My next topic will be on communication and speech. Have a lovely weekend you all.
Adeola Thompson writes from UK

Lovely write up. May I know if you are involved with special children, and I will also like to know what kind of involvement (medical, educational...). I will appreciate your response. Thank you.

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