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Dinosaurs and the autism spectrum
Autism is a lifelong debilitating condition that affects a surprising number of people. Research from the National Autistic Society suggests that up to half a million people in the UK have some form of autism or have a related condition, such as Asperger’s syndrome. Autism is a condition that affects the way people relate to themselves and the world around them. Victims may be overly sensitive to sensory stimuli, they may have difficulty making sense of their surroundings. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome find it difficult to communicate and interact with others. Neither autism nor Asperger’s syndrome are related to low intelligence; in fact, based on our experience with children who have Asperger’s syndrome, the child in question is often shown to have an above-average IQ. For example, one of the attractions of dinosaurs for children on the autism spectrum is the long names and all the complicated facts associated with these prehistoric monsters. Some children on the spectrum seem capable of retaining a great deal of information related to their favorite dinosaurs and can recite an astonishing amount of factual information about them.
Screening for Children on the Autism Spectrum
These conditions cannot be detected just by looking at a person, there are no visual symptoms but they do manifest in certain behaviors. If these behaviors can be identified in young children at an early age, then steps and processes can be put in place to help them and their families manage their condition effectively. Because they are called “hidden disabilities,” it can be very difficult to diagnose the condition. Fortunately, thanks to the campaigns of various charities and other organizations, awareness of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other related conditions has increased substantially over the last twenty years and many teachers and teaching assistants are now trained to be able to identify Autism. in the students of his class.
Children with Asperger syndrome may have less difficulty with speech and usually do not have the learning difficulties associated with autism, but they may have specific learning problems. These can include dyspraxia and dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fortunately, society’s understanding of these conditions has greatly improved since my time at school. A friend was recently diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and related dyslexia, but when she was a child at school her condition went unnoticed and she did not (and neither did her parents) get the help and support she needed.
With the right help and encouragement, people on the autism spectrum and with Asperger syndrome can lead completely fulfilling and independent lives. What is important from our perspective as teachers is to understand the condition and provide support at an early stage to help children and their parents/guardians/family members manage it.
Autism is a spectrum
When teaching a class, it can be difficult to identify behaviors in a young child that could indicate that this child has autism or a related condition. The problem is that there are “degrees” of autism. I always prefer the term autism spectrum condition to the alternate title autism spectrum syndrome, but in my experience both are used. I envision the autism condition as a long bar with a person with this condition fitting somewhere along this bar, as each individual can be affected differently. It is true that while all people with autism will share certain behaviors and difficulties making sense of their world and environment, some people will be able to live independent lives, while others, who may have learning difficulties and related disabilities, will require the support from a specialist. Throughout their lives.
Where do dinosaurs fit in?
There are certain types of behavior associated with children on the autism spectrum. Not all people will display the same behaviors, autism affects people in different ways. One of the mantras I use when teaching a class where there is a child or children on the autism spectrum is to remember to “celebrate their uniqueness and rejoice in the way they may see the world differently than I do.” However, there are common behaviors and the theme of dinosaurs seems to lend itself to them.
For example, some children may be naturally erudite and become very knowledgeable about a subject they enjoy. Studying dinosaurs seems to tick a lot of boxes for them and they become almost completely immersed in their subject. Children on the autism spectrum can remember information better than their peers, with so many facts and figures surrounding the study of dinosaurs, it seems that this topic naturally appeals to them. For example, being able to cite facts and statistics about dinosaurs: which was the biggest, the fiercest, the heaviest, the fastest, the longest? Vertebrate paleontology and dinosaurs in particular seem to be a rich source of information that is often recited repeatedly and parents/guardians are bombarded with questions and demands for more data.
Additionally, youngsters on the autism spectrum may often not want to participate in play with other children, preferring to play alone, immersing themselves in their favorite theme area, and playing with dinosaur models and other replicas. They may often repeat the game over and over again or insist on doing the same activity over and over again at the same time every day. The availability of videos and DVDs about dinosaurs can help with this. Children on the autism spectrum may enjoy watching repeat playbacks of the same DVD.
dinosaur days
Fortunately, there are a number of museums that have exhibits of dinosaur fossils and other items that can be visited. However, for a family to take a child on the autism spectrum out for the day can be a daunting prospect and a difficult episode can cause parents/guardians to lose all confidence.
There are some tips that we hope will be useful and that we can pass on to help parents/guardians manage the day, ensuring that it is a rewarding activity for all involved.
1). remember the sensitivity
Some children on the autism spectrum may be overly sensitive to loud noises and bright lights. If you intend to visit a dinosaur attraction, we recommend that you contact the vendors before you go to understand any elements that may cause distress to your child.
two). Contact the supplier before your visit
Contacting the museum in advance of the day gives you the opportunity to learn of any special arrangements that may be in place to help you make the most of your day. You can also receive specialist advice and organize support on the day if necessary.
3). Get the guide before you go
By getting a guide or brochure before the visit, you and your child can plan your day. This can help your child prepare for the experience to some degree and allow you and your family to get the most out of the visit.
obsessed with dinosaurs
Not all children on the autism spectrum will have obsessions. Those who do may not obsess over dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. For example, we’ve come across several young children who become completely immersed in subjects as varied as automobiles and “Thomas the Tank Engine,” but some children develop a fascination with Dinosauria. This in itself is not a bad thing, as with the establishment of the creative curriculum in most UK schools, they are often covering this subject area within their teaching frameworks. Learning about dinosaurs can help build confidence; after all, many children will share this common interest and love for all things dinosaur. There are plenty of resource supplies that can help, from your local library, to your regional museum, and of course, the Internet. For parents/guardians too, learning about dinosaurs can be a rewarding experience, especially if it’s an area that allows them to celebrate their particular child’s way of seeing the world.