Autism looks different for everyone.

People with autism have unique set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Autism does not discriminate due to sex, age, race or ethnicity. Boys, however, are diagnosed with autism four times more frequently than girls. Autism may present differently in boys and girls. Girls may have more subtle presentation of symptoms, fewer social and communication challenges, and fewer repetitive behaviours. Getting a diagnosis of autism later in life can also be challenging as often autistic people change, mask or adapt their behaviour.

Autism is a lifelong condition, and an autistic person’s needs, strengths and challenges may change over time. As they transition through life stages people with autism may need different types of support and accommodations. Early intervention and therapies can make a big difference in a person’s skills and outcomes later in life.

It is important that we are all aware of autism. Acceptance helps people with autism to embrace their unique identity. This boosts their self-esteem and helps reduce the stigma associated with this condition. Raising awareness is the beginning of discussing disability inclusion. People making positive changes in schools to support inclusion is the best way to improve outcomes for people with autism.

Being aware of what some people find challenging at school can make a huge difference to their wellbeing at school. Some common things that people with sensory processing find challenging are loud noises such as street noise or heat pumps, bright lights and over stimulation such as through temperature change, being in a large crowd or wearing uncomfortable clothing. As a school we are conscious of these environmental factors and try to make our school inclusive for all our students. In the new Caddick and Caldwell classrooms lighting, climate control and noise cancelling technologies significantly reduced these triggers for our students.

Acceptance and understanding is crucial in developing awareness. It highlights the importance of celebrating the unique abilities of neurodivergent individuals in our school.

April is Autism Awareness Month. You can support this by purchasing a hoodie from https://www.sas.co.nz/product-category/charity/autism-nz-charity

Pete Chaplin