Autism Awareness UK

Hi there,

If you are having an awareness event you would like to see it on my ME page, please drop me the details & I will update this.

Autism first entered my life 17 years ago, and has kept me busy since then! Every day with Autism is different and sometimes tiring but mostly 'challenging' - keeps me young and on my toes!

Why am I here? Because I promised myself that last year (2004) I was going to do something about raising awareness about Autism. Everything I sell has either been made or supplied by people whose lives have been touched by Autism Spectrum Condition (always condition, never disorder, Autism is a Way of Being!).

I will sell the coolest Autism Gear, With Strong Messages to the NTs. My products are designed to stop stares and the Tuts! I want acceptance and respect for our children, who do their best to live within a society with silly rules and lack of understanding. My items are designed for the NTs to stop and think, and hopefully ASK and learn more about the Autistic Spectrum.

Is there a cure for autism?

NO - at the moment there are no known cures for autism, but quality of life can be improved for both the person with autism and their families by using good intervention techniques.

How is diagnosis made?

The criteria for the dx would be on the following:-
A total of six (or more) items from 1, 2, 3. and with at least 2 from 1 and 1 each from 2 & 3.

1. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least 2 of the following:
   1. Marked impairment in use of multiple nonverbal behaviours such as eye to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction.
   2. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
   3. A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.
2. Qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:-
   1. Delay in, or lack of, the development of spoken language
   2. In individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others.
   3. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language.
   4. Lack of varied, spontaneous make believe play or social imitative play.
3. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour interest and activities as manifested by at least one of the following:
   1. Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus.
   2. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional routines or rituals.
   3. Stereotyped and repetitive motor movements.
   4. Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
4. Delays or abnormal function in at least one of the following areas with onset prior to the age of 3.
   1. Social interaction
   2. Language as used in social communication.
5. Symbolic or imaginative play.
   1. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Retts or childhood disintegrative disorder

What is the best way of getting help?

GP referrals to psychologists who specialise in Autism is the quickest way I have found of getting some answers.

Patrician referrals - you might have to wait for the NHS bandwagon to start rolling.

School - ask for a referral to the educational psychologists.