DISCLAIMER
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
Christmas and autism spectrum disorders
Christmas can be an exciting and fun time, but it can also be stressful. People with autism may be confused or distressed by all the new activity in the household at Christmas, and this can be upsetting for the rest of the family. This section provide tips and guidance to see you through the festive period.
Ten ideas for a happy Christmas
The very things that many 'neurotypical' people enjoy about the festive season and similar celebrations are the things that some people with autism find difficult.
Our members' magazine, Communication, asked readers for their ideas about what makes the holiday season easier. Here is what they suggested.
Our readers have written about their sons, but the information could apply to all children with autism.
AUTISM & AIRPORT TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS
A guide for parents and carers
Autism & Airport Travel Safety Tips
November 23, 2001, Port St. Lucie, Florida
By Dennis Debbaudt
Traveling through airport security will never be the same. Every traveler passing through a security checkpoint will now encounter waiting in long lines, having to produce two forms of picture identification at multiple locations, mandatory questioning and inspections of personal belongings by strangers and the increasing likelihood of a light touch from a stranger holding a Geiger counter-like sound producing wand. When you add to the mix the possibility of a complete physical frisk or pat down - and the presence and scrutiny of armed, uniformed paramilitary personnel and contraband-sniffing dogs - the accompanying sensory-enhancing gauntlet of sounds lights and touch can tax the system of any traveler let alone one who has autism. This experience has quickly become standard operating procedure at U.S. airports.
People with autism, parents and caregivers may want to consider taking some extra measures to make passing through a security checkpoint easier.
As daunting as a security checkpoint is for some children and adults with autism, we must consider the point-of-view of the security professional. The behavior or characteristics of the child or adult with autism may make the security professional extremely anxious. Consider the reliance on visual cues and innocent echolalia a person with autism may display, such as repeating a phrase observed on a close-by poster. At a security checkpoint that phrase might include words that cite the laws or warn against the use of the words "bomb threat" or "hijacking." Someone who repeats this phrase would quickly come under suspicion at a security checkpoint. Those that repeat a question, run from or blanche at passing through a metal detector, or become over-anxious at attempts to touch them would also merit extra scrutiny. Left unexplained, the behaviors and characteristics of some person's with autism may delay their trip and cause unnecessary anxiety. These encounters are the types of situations that can easily escalate into misinterpretations, verbal and physical confrontations, physical containment and restraint.
