What in the World is Going On?
May 2015 Edition
We are aware of the sensory issues that people with autism have, but only recently have we realized the need to design spaces to accommodate those needs. Lights, textures, sounds, and colours can all affect a person’s well-being. Designing spaces around these needs for people with autism can be challenging because autism is a complex disorder; the needs vary greatly from person to person.
In architecture, universal design was formalized in the 1960’s with the thought of making places accessible for those with physical disabilities. Now we are thinking along the lines of inclusive design to address a wider range of needs and experiences.
Magda Mostafa, a Canadian who teaches architecture at the American University in Cairo, created the ASPECTSS Design Index to gather some of the most widely applicable ideas of what she calls “sensory design.”
The ideas in the Design Index include “controlling acoustics; using natural light, but carefully modulating it; arranging spaces to facilitate smooth transitions; providing “escape spaces,” which provide private places to retreat; and grouping spaces so that quiet activities are separated from louder and more active ones.”
Some great examples of architects following these principals come from Hede Architects of Melbourne, Australia, who have built two schools specifically to serve students with autism. Have a look at the Northern School for Autism.
Inclusive design is also spilling over into the workplace. With 80% of people with autism not being employed, addressing workspace concerns could lessen these figures. The one-size-fits all cubicle model is not the best work environment for anyone. Workers are being freed from the cubical and given options – such as breakout spaces – so why not also let them choose their own levels of light or privacy?
To learn more about inclusive design and why it is needed, read this excellent article from the Globe and Mail.
And on the subject of sensory issues, The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has a survey on autism and sound sensitivity. The study is open to families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder, ages 2 through 17, regardless of whether the child has an abnormal reaction to sound. The study will look at how sound sensitivity impacts daily life, quality of life, and personal safety. IAN are aware this is an issue that greatly impacts many lives in the community, yet this concern receives very little attention and resources that could help families.
Receiving an early autism diagnosis remains a concern for parents because new research shows that pediatricians are still dismissing parental concerns about autism.
“In a study looking at the experiences of children diagnosed with autism as compared to those with intellectual disability and developmental delay, researchers found that doctors were 14 percent less likely to take a proactive approach when families cited concerns about autism.”
The study found that doctors often reassured patients that their child would grow out of it rather than refer them to a specialist or send them for developmental testing.
For children who were diagnosed later with autism, parents had expressed concerned to their doctor when the child was 2, a whole year earlier than parents of children with other delays. “Nonetheless, among families surveyed, children with autism were not diagnosed until age 5, on average, even though kids with the developmental disorder can generally by identified by age 3.”
The results of this study show that doctors may need more education and training to better respond to parent concerns related to autism.
Not sure if you should be concerned about your child? Have a look at either Could It Be Autism? or Does My Child Have Autism? Both books list the early warning signs, tell parents what to do, and how to get the right kind of help from doctors, counselors, therapists, and other professionals.
On the flip side, receiving a late diagnosis of autism in adulthood can be a relief. For high-functioning individuals, it’s not uncommon to receive a diagnosis later in life. Because autism characteristics are becoming more known to the general population, undiagnosed adults are becoming aware that these characteristics that explain their significant life-long experiences. Strong academic performance did not necessarily result in gainful employment. There have been problems in relationships, expressing emotions, and accusations of being self-centered.
Although many adults feel relieved about receiving a diagnosis, it also means a whole new way of defining oneself and having to defend the diagnosis.
Carol Ogburn’s post on late diagnosis gives solid recommendations on seeking an adult diagnosis as well as the emotional experiences. She suggests reading Cynthia Kim’s book I Think I Might Be Autistic. There is also Philip Wylie’s new book Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) which details the stages of late diagnosis, from self-identification to acceptance. It discusses mental health issues that can arise, supports that are available and strategies for the future.
Not sure how to prevent a meltdown? Addressing physical reactions that the body is having to stress will help keep emotions from spilling over. Teaching children these 5 basic yoga poses and when to use them may help. These poses are beautifully illustrated and are simple to do. There is also a You Tube clip called Good Night Yoga which can help settle children for bedtime pose by pose.
The Autism Internet Module is an on-line credit graduate course designed to provide high-quality information and professional development for anyone who supports, instructs, works with, or lives with someone with autism. Each module guides you through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, a glossary, and much more. AIM modules are available at no cost.
For Zones of Regulation users, there are two new posters available. The Zones Triggers Poster coordinates with Zones Lesson 9 “Caution! Triggers Ahead.” Triggers are things or thoughts that move a person out of the Green Zone into the Yellow and Red Zones. The poster is designed as a tool that adults can use to help students gain awareness of their personal triggers that lead them to the Yellow or Red Zone and then discuss strategies to help them manage their behaviors while in those Zones.
The other poster is STOP, OPT and GO which aligns with Zones Lesson 17 in the book. Many students who struggle with self-regulation have difficulty with impulse control and figuring out alternative solutions to conflicts. These students can get stuck on one way to do something and have difficulty trying other people’s ideas or alternatives. STOP, OPT and GO is an easy-to-remember phrase and is paired with a stoplight to provide additional visual cues for students.
These are the highlights of what in the world is going on in autism for May 2015.