Empowering Autistic Voices
Helping Children with Autism Harness Their Strengths
Chris Abojei, PsyD. CEAP
Guess Who?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental
disorder characterized by challenges in:
Language development
Social communication and interaction, as well as
Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or
Understanding activities.
Autism It's important to recognize that ASD is a spectrum condition,
meaning that it manifests differently in each individual.
Spectrum While some may have significant support needs, others may
Disorder (ASD) have exceptional abilities in certain areas.
Understanding
Autism
Spectrum
Disorder (ASD)
In Nigeria, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be around 1
in 68 children, although there is limited data due to
underdiagnosis and lack of awareness.
Globally, the prevalence is estimated at 1 in 54 children
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Statistics on These statistics highlight the importance of
Autism in raising awareness,
increasing access to services, and
Nigeria and supporting individuals and families affected by autism.
Globally
The exact causes of autism are still not fully understood, but
research suggests that a combination of genetic and
environmental factors may contribute to its development. Some
potential predictors of autism include:
Genetic predisposition
Prenatal factors: Maternal infections, exposure to environmental
Causes and toxins, and complications during pregnancy may influence brain
Predictors of development.
Early brain development
Autism Further research is needed to better understand the complex
interplay of factors contributing to autism.
Assessment and diagnosis of autism typically involve a
comprehensive evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary
team, including psychologists, pediatricians, speech-language
therapists, and occupational therapists. The assessment process
may include:
Assessment and Developmental history and parent/caregiver interviews.
Diagnosis of Direct observation of the child's behavior and social interaction.
Standardized assessments, such as the Autism Diagnostic
Autism Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic
Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
Screening for co-occurring conditions and developmental delays.
Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for promoting
positive outcomes and maximizing the child's potential.
Several evidence-based interventions can support children with
autism in developing essential skills and managing challenges.
Some practical interventions include:
Play Therapy: Using structured play activities to promote social
interaction, communication, and imaginative play skills.
Practical Art Therapy: Engaging in creative activities to express emotions,
Interventions enhance self-awareness, and improve sensory processing.
Social Skills Training: Teaching specific social skills through role-
for Autism playing, modeling, and reinforcement techniques.
Spirituality and Autism: Incorporating spirituality and religious
practices to provide comfort, promote coping skills, and foster a
sense of belonging.
Giftedness may share some characteristics with autism, such as
intense focus and keen attention to detail,
ADHD, on the other hand, may present with hyperactivity,
impulsivity, and inattention,
Differential But both lack the core features of autism-related to social
Diagnosis: Autism communication and restricted interests. Autism has a more
vs. Other severe impairment in
joint attention,
Developmental imitation skills,
Disorders empathic responding,
shared enjoyment,
eye contact, and
relationship with peers.
Autism and Down syndrome are both neurodevelopmental
disorders that can co-occur in some individuals.
Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic
disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of
Autism and chromosome 21, resulting in developmental delays, intellectual
disabilities, and distinct physical features.
Down • Individuals with both autism and Down syndrome may have a
Syndrome complex combination of symptoms, including challenges in
• social interaction,
• communication deficits,
• sensory sensitivities, and
• intellectual disabilities.
Co-Occurring
Conditions with
Autism
Families of children with autism often experience significant
emotional burdens due to the challenges associated with the
condition.
Parents may feel
Emotional overwhelmed,
stressed, or
Burden for isolated as they navigate the complexities of caregiving, accessing
Families with services, and advocating for their child's needs.
It's important to acknowledge and address these emotional
Autism challenges through
support networks,
counseling services, and
self-care strategies.
Instead of focusing solely on deficits, it's crucial to identify and
nurture the strengths and talents of autistic individuals.
Many notable individuals with autism have demonstrated
Harnessing remarkable abilities in their respective fields. For example,
Albert Einstein's unique way of thinking contributed to his
Strengths of groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Autistic Temple Grandin, a prominent autism advocate and animal
scientist, credits her autism for her innovative approach to
Individuals understanding animal behaviour.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has also spoken about
how his autism has contributed to his success in technology and
entrepreneurship.
As parents and loved ones of children with autism, there are
various strategies we can implement to support their
development and well-being.
Establishing a supportive and inclusive environment at home and
in the community is essential.
Practical Communication strategies, such as using visual supports and
social stories, can help enhance social interaction and
Strategies for understanding.
Parents and Sensory regulation techniques, such as deep pressure therapy or
sensory breaks, can address sensory sensitivities.
Loved Ones Structured routines and visual schedules provide predictability
and reduce anxiety.
For example,
using a visual schedule helped the child transition smoothly
between activities at home and school.
Sensory tools, like a weighted blanket or fidget toys, supported
the child in managing sensory overload during noisy or crowded
Applying environments.
By implementing these strategies consistently, the child
Strategies in experienced
Daily Life improved communication skills,
decreased anxiety, and
greater independence.
Guess Who?
In Nigeria, there are several cent re s and organizations
specializing in autism assessment, intervention, and support.
Some notable ones include the
FOS, lighthouse for autism, Center for Autism and Developmental
Disabilities (CADD) in Lagos and the Patrick Speech and
Resources and Languages Centre in Abuja.
Support These centers offer a range of services, including diagnostic
assessments, behavioral therapy, speech and language therapy,
Services in and parent training programs.
Nigeria
As an organization, we have a responsibility to support
employees who have children with autism.
This support can take various forms,
including flexible work arrangements to accommodate
How Organizations appointments and therapy sessions,
Can Support access to employee assistance programs for counselling and
resources, and
Employees with fostering an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates
Children with neurodiversity.
Autism By prioritizing the well-being of our employees and their
families, we contribute to a more supportive and understanding
work environment.
In conclusion,
by empowering autistic voices,
focusing on their strengths,
understanding the assessment and diagnosis process,
implementing practical interventions, and
addressing co-occurring conditions we can help children with
Conclusion and autism reach their full potential.
Q&A I encourage you to continue learning about autism and
advocating for inclusion and acceptance in our communities.
• If you have any further questions or would like to
learn more about supporting children with autism,
please feel free to reach out
CONTACT US
09034994798
07081269270
[email protected]
[email protected]
08/04/2024 10:06 PM www.psychaideap.com 2323
For additional information and resources on autism, please
refer to the following references:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA:
American Psychiatric Publishing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html.
References National Autistic Society. (2020). What is autism? Retrieved from
https://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asd.aspx.
Grandin, T. (2006). Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism.
New York, NY: Vintage.
Musk, E. (2015). Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a
Fantastic Future. New York, NY: Ecco.
