What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disabilities characterised by: Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction: abnormal social approach and one-way communication reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect a lack of interest in social relationships abnormal eye contact and non-verbal communication a lack of facial expressions difficulties in imaginative play or making friends Restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours repetitive motor movements such as flapping hands lines up toys, insists on “sameness” adheres to strict routines and insists on “sameness” copes poorly with change in routine fixated interests with intense focus and preoccupation with objects. Hyper or hypo sensory sensitivities indifference to pain and temperature adverse responses to specific sounds or textures excessive smelling or touching of objects visual fascination … Continue reading Autism & ADHD