Autism and Asperger Syndrome with autistic spectrum What are they? disorders may have Speak to the difficulty coping with a individual or their Autism and Asperger strange environment as this carer about the syndrome are can make them anxious. information that they developmental disorders have been given, and as autistic spectrum Many individuals with if possible, follow the autism find changes to daily disorders. All individuals order of events routines difficult, especially with these conditions expected. if these are unplanned. have difficulties in some Find out about the areas. However, the Medical terminology may patient, particularly degree by which they are not be easily understood, as they could be affected can vary greatly especially if it is something to touch. and they can be affected that can be taken literally. Explain the For example, if a child is in different ways. Both of procedure and try having a CT or MRI, using these conditions can not to deviate from the term through the “slices affect the way individuals body” could be a cause of the order. Use communicate and anxiety; the child or young picture cards if interact with others. person could believe they appropriate. are going to be cut which Make sure they Individuals with autism could lead to unwanted understand what you can have difficulty making behaviour. sense of the world as well are saying. as having learning The smells, sounds and Try not to rush the difficulties, lights in a medical patient; them communication environment could also time to adjust to the difficulties and/or be create difficulties, causing changing situation. over-sensitive or increased anxiety that sensitive to sound, light, could result in unwanted Useful resources touch, taste, smells or or inappropriate NHS choices colours. behaviour. The National Autistic Society Individuals with Asperger It may be difficult for National Institute for Health syndrome usually have individuals on the autistic and Care Excellence average or above average spectrum to intelligence. communicate effectively so information could be Potential difficulties misunderstood or misinterpreted. When visiting a radiology department, individuals In practice….
Autism and Asperger Syndrome What are they? Autism and Asperger syndrome are developmental disorders as autistic spectrum disorders. All individuals with these conditions have difficulties in some areas. However, the degree by which they are affected can vary greatly and they can be affected in different ways. Both of these conditions can affect the way individuals communicate and interact with others. Individuals with autism can have difficulty making sense of the world as well as having learning difficulties, communication difficulties and/or be over-sensitive or to sound, light, touch, taste, smells or colours. Individuals with Asperger syndrome usually have average or above average intelligence. Potential difficulties When visiting a radiology department, individuals with autistic spectrum disorders may have difficulty coping with a strange environment as this can make them anxious. Many individuals with autism find changes to daily routines difficult, especially if these are unplanned. Medical terminology may not be easily understood, especially if it is something that can be taken literally. For example, if a child is having a CT or MRI, using the term “slices through the body” could be a cause of anxiety; the child or young person could believe they are going to be cut which could lead to unwanted behaviour. The smells, sounds and lights in a medical environment could also create difficulties, causing increased anxiety that could result in unwanted or inappropriate behaviour. It may be difficult for individuals on the autistic spectrum to communicate effectively so information could be misunderstood or misinterpreted. In practice…. Speak to the individual or their carer about the information that they have been given, and if possible, follow the order of events expected. Find out about the patient, particularly as they could be sensitive to touch. Explain the procedure and try not to deviate from the order. Use picture cards if appropriate. Make sure they understand what you are saying. Try not to rush the patient; them time to adjust to the changing situation. Useful resources NHS choices The National Autistic Society National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
2014.02.18autism_fact_sheet.docx