Registered Charity 1127368
Working for people with Able Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Common Features of Able Autism/Asperger Syndrome.
Whilst these are common features it does not mean that all of them are present.
There may be several that apply but it depends on the individual.
- Difficulty in making & maintaining eye contact. May look over a person’s shoulder when speaking. This may give the impression of not listening.
- Monosyllabic speech, repetitive use of phrases, parroting, conversation dominated by their own topics of interest. Verbalising internal thoughts.
- Literal interpretation of language and think people always say exactly what they mean.
“Pull your socks up” or “It’s raining cats and dogs”. - Can appear aloof or rude when they say things bluntly and to the point, but usually truthful.
- Often lack sensitivity to other people’s feelings as they have difficulty understanding other people’s emotions.
- Love of routines and great dislike of change or disruption to their set routines. Preparation and explanations of why change needs to occur is helpful.
- Dislike of crowded, noisy places. This can be indoors or outdoors.
- Difficulty in coping with social situations, particularly new or unfamiliar ones. This can cause extreme anxiety, panic attacks, stress, meltdown or shutdown.
- Socialising does not come naturally, it has to be learned. Often they prefer to communicate by text or email. This gives time to prepare a response.
- Fear of rejection/failure. Reluctance to try new things.
- Perfectionism & attention to detail which can block them from being able to see the ‘bigger picture’.
- Sometimes lack of awareness of danger and inability to foresee consequences of their actions.
- Difficulties with time management and spacial awareness. There is a need to set clear parameters.
- Difficulties with understanding rules, particularly with those of social engagement.
- Body language can appear like a foreign language to someone with Autism.
- They have difficulty in understanding jokes, particularly sarcasm. They do like slapstick type humour, cause and effect. Need for clarity.
- Can have a high pain threshold, or extremely low threshold.
- May have obsessions.
- May need time to process a question.
- May prefer to be alone. Maybe not all the time, but sometimes need quiet, uninterrupted time.
- May go into a state of ‘overload’ and need time out.
- May wear the same clothes summer and winter regardless of weather conditions. May also need to be reminded to change clothes.
- May elect to eat only certain food or food of certain colours.
- Maybe apprehensive of dogs because of their unpredictable behaviour.
- May have a reluctance to use or answer the telephone. Prefer texting or using email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Tik Tok or Twitter.
- May relate and bond well with a pet as their affection is unconditional and does not require verbal response.
Issue 8 – November 2021