ASD: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Support: Myth Busting Campaign 2024
This year, the Local Authority have produced an ASD guide on their website. This guide aims to support parents and carers of children and young people who you think may be autistic or who are awaiting an assessment, or who have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The myth busting project aims to raise awareness for parents and carers of children and young people who are either awaiting and assessment along the Neurodevelopmental Pathway or who already have a diagnosis of Autism.
The campaign consists of a short web-based animation which explains what support can be given at home, at school and from the community regardless of whether formal diagnoses have been received. It aims to support a needs-led approach to supporting neurodiversity in line with National thinking.
Clips from the animation are also being displayed electronically in the central bus station and car parks. Swansea Council social media channels will also raise awareness.
The project is a joint venture between Swansea ALN Inclusion Team and Neath Port Talbot Inclusion Team. It has been made possible through West Glamorgan Regional Partnership Board Funding, as part of Neurodevelopmental Transformation Fund.
A digital and printed resource book for schools has also been developed and made available to support schools and parents. Please see below:
For more information please visit: https://swansea.gov.uk/autismsupport?lang=en
Support for Neurodiversity
Please visit the following website for support with diet, nutrition, and therapeutic support aimed at improving mental wellbeing, behaviour, and sleep issues in neurodivergent individuals. https://www.supportforneurodiversity.com/
Strategy Booklet for Parents/Carers
Autism Friendly School
We are very proud to have been awarded the Autism Awareness Award by Autism Wales back in 2019, recognising the training that school staff have undertaken to promote understanding of the needs of autistic learners.
National Autistic Society (NAS) What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it impacts how a child develops. Autism begins in utero, although children with ASD might not be diagnosed until they are preschool- or even school-aged (or older), when signs of the disorder become more apparent.
Children with ASD have a combination of two kinds of behaviours: deficits in communication and social skills, and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviours. It’s called a spectrum because individuals with the disorder may have a wide range of symptoms, cognitive abilities, language skills and behaviours.
Signs of autism in children:
Signs of a deficit in communication and social skills may include, but are not limited to, a combination of the following:
In younger children (under 3 years)
- Failure to respond to their own name
- Disinterest in giving, sharing or showing objects of interest
- Aversion to displays of affection
- Preference for solitary play
In older children:
- Difficulty carrying on a reciprocal, or back-and-forth conversation
- Lack of eye contact
- Difficulty using and reading body language in others
- Difficulty recognising others’ emotions and/or responding appropriately to different social situations and understanding social relationships
- Aversion to displays of affection
- Preference for solitary play
Children with restricted or repetitive behaviors perform repetitive actions and rituals and can become fixated on minute details to the point of distraction.
In addition, they may:
- Become upset by minor changes in daily routine
- Line, sort or organize toys or objects instead of playing with them
- Show a consuming interest in a specific topic or object
- Have unusual sensory sensitivities
Although there’s no cure for autism, early intervention can help children develop skills and achieve their potential.
For further information please visit the following websites :
https://www.autism.org.uk/directory/n/nasswansea-branch
If you believe your child is autistic, getting a diagnosis, and a better understanding of their needs, can be a very positive thing. You may also have reservations about pursuing a diagnosis for your child. This is your personal choice. If you are concerned that your child may have ASD and want to discuss it further, please contact the school ALNCo, Mr Crofts, or your child’s class teacher.
Please note we follow a graduated response and if referrals are to be made by school, a period of evidence gathering is firstly required. The referral process is a long and thorough one, which can take up to 24 months for an assessment.
Autism Eye: An E-Magazine
Please visit https://www.autismeye.com/digital-edition/ for the latest edition of Autism Eye. A useful resource for parents and professionals.
Swansea Bay NHS Information
Families living with autism and other neurodivergent conditions can now access 24 hour support and advice, the Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan has announced.
This is being delivered via an expansion of the Community Advice Listening Line (C.A.L.L), with its skilled and experienced staff receiving additional training on neurodivergence from the National Autism Team.
The listening line can be accessed by calling 0800 132 737 or texting ‘Help’ to 81066. For more information visit callhelpline.org.uk
The Neurodivergent project, which can also signpost neurodivergent individuals, their families and friends to helpful literature or service information, has been in place since April 2023.
It’s impact will be evaluated to ensure it meets the needs of people living with these conditions.
The initiative forms part of Welsh Government efforts to deliver on its Programme for Government commitment to improve services and support for neurodivergent people.
Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan (pictured) said: “I am taking a very active interest in ensuring that we are delivering the support neurodivergent people tell me they need. I have met with many families and heard about the struggles they experience in accessing help and support for autism, ADHD and Tourettes.
“Many families have expressed to me a need to be able to share their anxieties, that having someone who is able to listen to them, without judgement, would make a difference to their lives and well-being. I am pleased to say that we are listening and we are taking action.
“I hope this new listening line will help to deliver meaningful improvements to the lives of neurodivergent people and their families, and become a valued source of support.”
C.A.L.L Helpline Manager Luke Ogden said: “We are pleased to be able to offer support to more people in Wales including those living with neurodivergent conditions, their families and friends. By having the training, provided by the National Autism Team, we will be offering a more inclusive service.
“The helpline can offer emotional support to anyone living in Wales, can provide information on services across the country, and can provide literature on a range of subjects, to those who request it.”
Here are a few videos that might be of interest, or provide further support for families. For further Community of Practise videos and information pdfs, please visit the following site: https://autismwales.org/en/resources/videos/community-of-practice-sessions/
Autism and Eating:
A video produced by Autism Wales on the difficulties autistic people may face with eating.