Coaching & Psychological therapy Support for people with autism and carers of suffers.

Autism is largely misunderstood in society today, despite being first identified in 1943. According to National Autistic Society estimated figures, over 500,000 families are effected in some way by autistic spectrum disorders.

Because there is no physical handicap or visual method of easily identifying a sufferer, people often fail to realise that the person suffers from such a disorder. This leads to problems with caring for younger sufferers in particular, since the behaviour of a child with autism may seem "naughty" to a lay person. Indeed normally accepted methods of parenting and discipline are often found to be ineffective and a degree of behaviour has to be accepted. This is often misunderstood by observers as a parental failure. This leads to additional stress for the carers of a child who is suffering.

ADULT SERVICE ONLY

What is autism?

Autism is a condition which effectively does act as a disability. It is a lifelong condition and focuses on communication and perception. Because perception and communication are effectively on a different "wavelength", this severely effects the suffers ability to build and maintain relationships. This is compounded by the inability to understand or fully related to the feelings experienced by other people. Frequently sufferers also experience other conditions such as learning disabilities and these can complicate or delay initial identification of the condition. In all cases people with autism have a different image of the world we live in. Reality to an autistic person can be a confusing, interacting mass of events, people, places, sounds and sights. There can seem to be no clear boundaries, order or meaning to anything. A large part of  life can be spent just trying to work out the pattern behind everything.

The Condition known as asperger syndrome is a form of autism at the "higher functioning" or less incapacitated end of the "autistic spectrum".

What are the characteristics of autism?

People with autism have problems interacting, communicating and visualising concepts and ideas This is known as  the triad of impairments.

• Social interaction (difficulty with social relationships, for example appearing aloof and indifferent to other people)
• Social communication (difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, for example not really understanding the meaning of gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice)
• Imagination (difficulty in the development of play and imagination, for example having a limited range of imaginative activities, possibly copied and pursued rigidly and repetitively)

In addition, repetitive behaviour patterns are a notable feature and a resistance to change in routine. In some cases sufferers nay exhibit touch sensitivity, angry or violent reactions and other negative behaviours, either as resistance to change or as a part of the overall condition for them. Depression, anxiety, phobias and obsessive compulsions may also develop, especially with age.

What causes autism?

The cause or causes of autism are still not known. Research indicates genetic factors are important. Research also shows links with a variety of conditions affecting brain development which occur before, during, or very soon after birth. There is continued controversy relating to the MMR vaccination programme in the USA and UK and efforts continue to identify whether there is a link between vaccination and the development of autistic spectrum disorders.

What sorts of therapies are effective then?

There are a range of different therapies that are used to assist persons suffering from Autism. For a list of therapies other than those used in practice here, refer to the list at the National Autistic Society website HERE (Offsite).   

In practice here in Scotland we offer support to both sufferers and the families / carers of people with autistic spectrum disorders. We draw on our experience working with sufferers (Stuart as a former Intensive Support Service trained support worker in the field of learning disabilities, Denise working with children in an care setting) together with experience in psychotherapy to provide a holistic approach.

As with any condition, whether physical, mental or learning disability orientated, there is a strong emphasis on still "living". It is easy to become an "autistic"  or some other label, rather than being a person who may suffer from the condition, but who has equal right to everyone else to enjoy life. Psychotherapy techniques can work to enable sufferers and families to  live around the condition to be best ability possible, rather than putting life on "pause". this is essential since the condition is life long. Families frequently need support with the stress of caring, and of fighting for resources and support from statutory agencies. Therefore strong elements of advocacy, networking and counselling often are needed.

For both sufferers and carers, depression, anxiety, low confidence, and a range of other issues are commonplace. Professional therapy can be very useful in coping with these and overcoming them.

We strongly urge anyone who suspects that they or someone close to them suffers from an autistic spectrum disorder to contact the National Autistic Society. Do not allow yourselves to feel isolated and alone. Reach out and seek support, it will help.

Copyright is acknowledged in respect to the above material in that the description is loosely based on the information provided at the NAS website.

To Contact Therapy Services 

EASY METHOD:

Assistance is not just for individuals. Assistance is available for couples, families and those who care for others.  We also provide support to clients with serious long term medical or mental health issues. Clients must maintain medical supervision since we only work with cases that maintain medical support and supervision. Information HERE

    

Practitioners have different exact affiliations and registrations. Exact details on request.