Common Issues and Challenges facing Children
on the Autism Spectrum
Children and young people on the autism spectrum (and their parents and carers) face many issues and challenges on a day to day basis. However it is important to remember that each child with autism is a unique individual, with unique needs and abilities. Because of this, he or she will experience those issues in a unique way or may not experience them at all. It is just as important to remember that some individuals with autism don't think of autism as a challenge at all, it's just the way they are.
Core FeaturesChildren and young people on the autism spectrum are reported to have difficulties with two main areas.
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Co-MorbiditiesMany children and young people on the autism spectrum have co-morbidities (co-occurring conditions and syndromes) which bring their own problems and which may complicate the problems caused by autism. For example some have co-occurring
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Other IssuesSome children and young people on the autism spectrum (and their parents and carers) struggle to do some of the things that other people may take for granted. For example, they may find it difficult to
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Challenges facing Children
on the Autism Spectrum
Relatives and Carers
Relatives and carers of children on the autism spectrum also face issues and problems. For example they may
- carry the the worry and exhaustion of looking after someone with autism.
- face the frustration of trying to cope with other people's attitudes, ignorance and prejudice (a problem also faced by people with autism themselves).
- become frustrated by the lack of high quality information about interventions that can help.
- become frustrated by the poor quality of some of the services designed to help them.
- be concerned about whether they or any of their other children may have autism
Strengths & Challenges
Strengths
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Challenges
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