Not all autistics share the same behavioural patterns
and symptoms. Problems such as repetitive routines, avoiding eye contact and having one or two
obsessional interests can be severe in some and barely noticeable or absent in others.
It's not clear why many on the autistic spectrum feel the need to repeat apparently pointless activities
over and over. Teeth grinding is a more damaging variation of this. Certain autistics will also engage in
self-harm, which can be extrememly distressing for all concerned.
Making and sustaining eye-contact is difficult for many people on the autistic spectrum.
Some autistics report that sustained
eye-contact actually hurts them. This may be part of an overall sensory problem. Some are over-sensitive to
touch, and find certain fabrics painful to wear. Others have sensitive hearing, and may find the noise of a
busy classroom to be unbearable. There is a theory that autistics have problems with language and
listening because they are unable to block out background noises.
Some autistic people have little sense of danger, which can be a great worry for their carers. And unlike
Hollywood would have us believe, not all autistics rock.
Associated disorders
Around 30% of autistics also suffer from epilepsy. Recent research suggests that the structure of the
brain is similar in sufferers of both conditions. Both epilepsy and autism can be hereditary, so it is
something to be aware of if either condition runs in your family. It remains to be seen whether
anti-epileptic drugs can have any effect on autistic symptoms.
Many autistics do not sleep well, and manage only a few hours of broken sleep each night. This could
be related to the dietary and bowel problems that afflict a significant minority of autistics. A gluten-free and
casein-free diet has brought considerable relief to some people, although it will not cure the underlying
autism. Something in these foods (mainly milk and wheat) doesn't get processed properly by the body,
so it remains in the bloodstream producing a permanent high. A simple urine test is available which
will tell you who has this food intolerance.
