My colleague Lindsay Mach and I created a presentation for the First Nations Telehealth Network outlining the fundamental principles of Autism. It includes a brief history of Autism, addresses common misconceptions and biases, and provides an understanding of the spectrum and some common characteristics of Autistic individuals.
Autism is known for social challenges and sensory sensitivities commonly displayed by individuals. It is considered as a spectrum due to the variability in support needs and characteristics, creating uniqueness in each person. It is most often recognized in early childhood by age two, is diagnosed more frequently in males, and has a high heritability rate among family members. History of Autism In the past, Autism came with stigma and fear and was primarily misunderstood, though today it is a common focus for therapy in Calgary. People naturally searched for explanations and causes, leading to an ideal zeitgeist for the vaccine hypothesis to be adopted by the general public. An article was published in the 1990s by a physician named Andrew Wakefield, claiming a causal relationship between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and Autism. This article led to the adoption of this theory and support from government officials and celebrities. This perfect storm of fear, a supposed cause, and celebrity endorsement led to a movement of vaccine distrust and a decrease in childhood vaccinations. Scientists eventually discredited the original study, and further studies emerged, discrediting the causal relationship between Autism and the MMR vaccine. Common Characteristics of Autism “When you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism” – Dr. Stephen Shore. Each person with autism is unique. Autism lies on a spectrum from no/low support needs to high support needs, with common characteristics blended throughout. When considering the common characteristics of Autism, it is important to remember that everyone is different and people may have some, none, or all of these characteristics and that they exist in varying degrees. Some characteristics may include challenges with social situations/communication, repetitive behaviours, highly focused interests, and sensory sensitivities.[elementor-template]
What is Stimming?
Stimming is repetitive behaviour or sounds that may occur in response to distress, anxiety, boredom, or excitement. Stimming is not a concern unless it causes harm to self or others or causes distress to the individual. Some examples of stimming include flapping hands, finger flicking, rocking back and forth, twirling hair, spinning around, bouncing legs, drumming fingers, doodling, biting nails, licking lips, and making sounds.
What is Masking?
People often engage in Autistic masking, which is essentially when an Autistic person attempts to appear non-autistic in social situations, possibly to blend in or fit in. Some examples of masking include rehearsing interactions (e.g., preparing for a phone call by rehearsing possible scenarios), studying the behaviours of others (e.g., copying postures or tone of conversation), social performance (e.g., behaving in a way that meets societal norms), and suppressing Autistic traits (e.g., standing still vs. swaying).
Autism Assessment
Assessment and diagnosis are not always needed. If a person is not feeling distressed or experiencing difficulty navigating the environment, they may choose not to seek out an assessment. An assessment may be completed through AHS Child Development Services, a pediatrician, a psychiattist, or a registered psychologist.
Support
- Depends on the needs of the individual
- May incorporate First Nations culture and practices
- Can involve OT, SLP, or aide support
- Counselling (e.g., emotions, self-esteem, relationships/social, anxiety)
- This can include support to caregivers and family members
- Help with connecting to resources
- High levels of attention to detail
- Honest
- Loyal
- Creative
- Unique
- Expertise in certain areas
- Observational skills
- Kindness and acceptance
- Sinneave Foundation: Resource for Autistic youth and adults: https://sinneavefoundation.org
- Child Development Services: http://fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca/professional/cds/
- Autism Calgary: https://autismcalgary.com
- Temple Grandin: https://www.templegrandin.com
- Autism Awareness Centre Inc.: https://autismawarenesscentre.com
- Centre for Autism Services Alberta: https://centreforautismab.ca
- Autism Society of Alberta Indigenous Relations Circle: https://autismalberta.ca/alliance/indigenous-relations-circle/
- Autism Society of Alberta Indigenous Relations Circle: https://autismalberta.ca/alliance/indigenous-relations-circle/