Autism in children
An introductory guide
Autism is not an illness. Your child’s brain processes some information differently to other children. It is lifelong but does not stop your child leading an active life. Some children may need extra support, but your child will have lots of things that they are good at.
It is not clear what causes autism. Sometimes it can be passed down from parents and it can affect people within the same family.
Autism is not caused by:
- bad parenting
- having vaccines
- infections
- bad diet
Many parents feel surprised, shocked, upset, or sometimes relieved following a diagnosis for their child. Now you know they are on the autism spectrum, you can begin to better understand their needs, gain support from other agencies, and maximise their potential.
Some things children with autism may find difficult:
- communication and interaction with other children.
- understanding feelings and how other people feel.
- anxiety around new situations or change in routine.
- repetitive behaviours repeatedly.
- processing any information may take longer.
Autism in some girls may present differently to boys. They may:
- withdraw.
- appear to cope slightly better in new situations.
- have fewer repetitive behaviours.
- copy how other children play.
After diagnosis it is still important to remember your child is still the same person they have always been.
Going to school
Education, Health and Care plans are for children who will need extra support when in school. You may hear these called EHCP for short. Plans are provided by the Local Authority. This will be managed by a designated case officer and a Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in school or in a nursery setting. They will be able to talk to you about progress and how a diagnosis does and does not impact on their ability to learn.
Understanding behaviour
Knowing what causes distressing behaviour can help parents develop ways and strategies dealing with it.
Sensory guide
Children with autism experience sensory differences which can make it difficult for them to manage. Some strategies will not work overnight and different strategies work for different children.
Lancashire Local Offer
The local offer brings information for children with special needs and disabilities and their families. It has links to getting help with school, things to do, travel and health and wellbeing.
Signpost to local and national support
This is not a comprehensive guide to local and national support. However, it aims to give you a brief list of registered charities, benefits, and peer support.
Hospital Passport
A hospital passport will help your child if they are admitted into hospital. It provides information to medical staff about your child's health and about them. Please complete prior to admission.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay (UHMBT) resources
Visit our webpage at https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/visiting-our-hospitals/supporting-people-learning-disabilities-autism-and-hidden-disabilities.
Brian Evans, Matron For Learning Disability, Autism and Complex Needs patients.
Email: brian.evans@mbht.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01229 406793
Mobile: 07813536877
Supporting yourself
Look after yourself. Try simple strategies that could help you look after yourself but helps you support your child.
- Laugh. Make time to laugh at something either by listening or watching something.
- Time. Make time for yourself. Try spending an hour doing something you may like to do, bathe, cook, watch TV.
- Be positive. Try to keep positive, write notes to yourself to re-read.
- Exercise. Physical exercise may help calm and re energise you.
- Have fun. Try something out of the comfort zone or favourite activities.
Date of publication: 31/08/2024
Reference code: PIL244/IND024
Review date: 01/09/2027