Mental health articles

how does autism affect people socially 1. Difficulties in social interaction
Individuals with autism have certain difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
They may not show an interest in other people, and may appear
aloof or remote. Actions that we think of as simple and often take for
granted can seem like complicated interactions for someone with autism.
All people with autism show difficulties in social situations; however,
the nature of these may change or get better over the years. For example,
there may be an increase in interest in other people. They may be able todevelop some social skills often learned in a mechanical or inflexible
manner.
2. Communicating with others
Both verbal and non-verbal communication problems are often the cause
for parents’ and carers’ concern and the reasonwhy they seek help. About a
third of people with autism and intellectual disabilities are not able to use
language. Not being able to communicate with other people effectively, or
to understandwhat others are saying orwhat is going on around them, can
cause enormous distress and anxiety. It can also cause aggressive or disruptive
behaviours, or it can make someone withdraw into ritualistic or
obsessional activities. When a person with autism is able to use language,
the development and usage is out of the ordinary. Often the tone of speech
and the voice may sound mechanical and flat. Some speak too loudly or
whisper, sometimes developing an unusual accent. Some create their own
unusual words or phrases and understand metaphors in a literal sense. For
example, it is possible that someone with autism will look for cats and dogs
every time they hear the expression ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’.
A person with autism might appear to have no desire to communicate
with others. They might only communicate when they need to tell
someone what they want. Factual comments may also be expressed a lot,
and often when they seem irrelevant to the situation. Some people with
autism can talk non-stop, regardless of the situation or how others
respond.
Echolalia (repetition of words or phrases heard) is very common. Some
people with autism repeat advertising jingles or dialogues for no apparent
reason. They are more likely to talk at you rather than with you, to intrude
and talk out of context and use speech as a means to an end rather than
engage in a social conversation.
Often a person with autism is able to understand more than they can
actually communicate. They may become distressed or frustrated by their
inability to express needs by words or gestures.

3. Imagination
People with autism usually have rigid and limited interests with an obvious
lack of imagination and creativity. A person with autism can have difficulty
in understanding that other people can see things from a different point of
view. This means that our reactions to things can seem confusing or frightening.
This can also mean that people with autism seem to behave in a way
that shows no thought of the wider social effects of their actions.
4. Rituals and stereotyped (fixed) interests or behaviours
Compulsive actions, rituals and rigid routines for daily activities are
common. There is often a resistance to changes in routine or the environment.
The person may become extremely distressed if, for example, a new
route is taken to the day centre, or the furniture in the house is rearranged.
Another example is that of a young woman with autism who has to buy
three of the same product every time she goes shopping. People with
autism can show distress if these repetitive patterns are disrupted or interrupted.
People with autism rarely involve others in their activities unless
they are given a particular role in a controlled situation.
Individuals with autism are often preoccupied with fine detail of an
object; a fascination with certain aspects of routines such as bus routes or
train timetables is also common. They might repeatedly ask questions to
which they expect only specific answers.
5. Other common linked characteristics
The following features are not specific to individuals with autism and may
occur in others with intellectual disabilities. These are:

Unusual dietary habits

Sleep disturbance

Abnormalities of mood

Self-injurious behaviour

Lack of response to pain

Heightened sensitivity to sound

Preoccupation with tactile stimulation

Tags: autism