World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated every April 2nd, is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote knowledge about the needs of people with autism.
In Spain, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 100 people has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to data from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, in the 2020-2021 academic year, 1 in 4 students with specific educational support needs has ASD. This represents a 216% increase in the presence of students with ASD in classrooms in the last 10 years.
Internationally, figures vary, but it is estimated that it affects around 1 in 160 children. Autism does not discriminate by gender, race, or socioeconomic status, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent decades.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. The abilities of people with ASD vary significantly. Some may have advanced conversational skills, while others may not express themselves verbally. The onset of ASD occurs before the age of three and can last a lifetime, although symptoms may improve over time. People with ASD may have difficulty forming friendships, communicating, and understanding social expectations.
Early Detection: Key
Some symptoms to which we can pay attention are:
- Communication and Socialization
- Lack of eye contact: The child may avoid looking others in the eyes.
- Difficulties in non-verbal communication: They may not point to objects to share their interest or not respond to smiles.
- Does not share experiences with others: Does not seek the attention of adults to show them something interesting.
- Repetitive Behaviors
- Strict routines: The child may insist on following the same routines or patterns.
- Obsessive interests: May focus intensely on a specific topic.
- Repetitive movements: For example, rocking or spinning objects.
- Language Development
- Speech delay: The child may not speak or have difficulty expressing themselves.
- Echolalia: Repetition of words or phrases without context.
- Difficulties in language comprehension: May not understand instructions or questions.
- Social Interaction
- Difficulties relating to other children: May prefer to play alone.
- Lack of empathy: May not recognize the emotions of others.
- Difficulties in friendship: May have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships.
- Specific Interests
- Obsession with certain topics: May be very focused on specific areas.
It is important to remember that each child is unique, and not all symptoms are present in all cases of ASD.
How to help children with ASD?
Some recommendations for families to support children with ASD include:
- Communicate Clearly and Effectively
- Speak clearly and simply. Use visual and concrete language.
- Use visual aids such as images, pictograms, or cards to facilitate communication.
- Establish Routines and Structure
- Children with ASD benefit from predictability and structure in their daily lives.
- Create a visual schedule with specific activities for each time of day.
- Encourage Social Interaction
- Promote shared play. Participate in activities that involve your child with other children.
- Teach them basic social skills, such as greeting, waiting their turn, and sharing.
- Support their Autonomy
- Involve them in household chores to develop daily living skills.
- Teach them to self-regulate. Help them identify their emotions and use strategies to calm down.
- Educate the rest of the Family and the Environment
- Explain to family members and friends the characteristics of ASD and how they can support the minor.
- Promote empathy and understanding in the close environment.
Additional resources
You can expand information and consult the resources available around ASD in the following entities:
- ConecTEA Foundation: https://www.fundacionconectea.org/
- Autism Confederation Spain: https://autismo.org.es/
- Spanish Autism Federation: https://fespau.es/
Early detection of ASD is crucial to provide support and specialized care to children from an early age and help them in their development to enable them to reach their full potential. We invite you to listen to our Doctor of Psychology, Nuria Ros, on La Tarde con Marina to expand the information on autism spectrum disorder. At Dide.org we are experts in detecting educational, emotional and behavioral potentials and difficulties early in order to intervene. You can access the diagnostic tool in this link.
