There has been a growing public interest in the last decade in neuroscience. For those working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), there is much literature in terms of differences in the central nervous system of those with ASD.   An understanding of some of these differences may help us to understand behaviour better, and also provide clues to more effective intervention.    Some of these differences are :

• Early rapid growth (overgrowth) of prefrontal cortex which is responsible for reasoning, problem solving and regulation of responses.  This may deter early learning and prevent appropriate connections being formed which support higher level reasoning and behaviours.
• Shorter connections formed between structures in the brain rather than longer and extensive connections that are more typical in human nervous system.  It is hypothesised that the connections needed for higher level skills such as communication, social interaction and cognitive ability are lacking in people with ASD.
• Slower processing of multi-sensory information, the typical speed is 100 – 200 ms but in people with ASD the speed was found to be 310 ms or longer.
• Structural differences in the amygdala (involved in emotional and social behaviour), hippocampus (involved in memory), and anterior cingulate gyrus (social brain).

It is important to recognise that it is not our job to try and make people with ASD like us, but to help each individual to reach their full potential.  If you would like to find out more about sensory processing and autism look at this term’s course.

Autism Professionals Awards 2016

Huge congratulations to Progress Care and Education who were runners up in the Autism Accreditation Excellence Award.  This award recognises their excellence in terms of providing education and care for young people with autism spectrum disorders.  Progress Care and Education is a 52 week residential school in Lancashire which is rated as an outstanding special school in all areas by Ofsted. It has been a pleasure to work with Progress over the last 8 years and to help them to look at behaviour from a sensory perspective and find ways to help support the young people in their care.