This guide is intended to be an introduction to the condition of autism and some of the main problems it
can cause. It does not cover every aspect of this complex condition, and is not meant to replace a
consultation with a specialist.
No two cases of autism are alike. The various symptoms are more or less severe in each person. What
groups together those who are diagnosed with autism, or autistic spectrum disorder, are three main
difficulties. All autistics have problems with socialisation, language and imagination.
With language there may be no speech at all, or it could consist mainly of nouns. Abstract concepts such
as "next week" or "chance" can be very difficult for autistics to grasp. Learning to speak is often a hard
slog, and it's not unusual to send autistics for hearing tests before a diagnosis of autism is made.
Words learnt at a very early age may be forgotten. Echolalia may occur, which means the person
repeats other people's words back at them without showing signs of having understood them.
The word autism comes from the Greek word for "self", or "alone", but not all autistics
really want to be alone. An autistic person may well be affectionate and enjoy the company of
others. But he often does not know how to react in certain circumstances. He may misread
the hidden meanings in eye contact, body language and social signals. Many autistics do
not deal with change well, and social situations can be unpredictable and frightening. As a
child, he may not know how to play with other children. He might initiate contact by hitting them
because he does not realise he is being hurtful. Throwing a tantrum at the slightest change in
routine doesn't make it easy to make friends. Autistics may not understand the social
rules, or they may have rules of their own that put a great strain on friendships.
Many problems with social interaction stem from the inability to imagine how others are
feeling. Ask "How does John feel" and an autistic with speech could say "Happy" even if
John has just broken his leg. The autistic will simply tell you about his own mood.
Imagination is the hardest aspect to measure, because who really knows what another
person is thinking? An autistic child may seem to be engaging in pretend play, but could
simply be copying exactly what he has seen others do. Commonly you don't see much roleplaying or
doll play in autistic children. They may prefer to line up cars or to stack lego bricks.
