19th June 2023
As a national housing association, Falcon Housing Association C.I.C (FHA) helps adults throughout the UK to live as independent a life as possible. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), along with some ways we can support people with ASD.
What is ASD?
ASD is a type of developmental disability. Many people who have the disorder have different ways of paying attention, moving and learning. This can include elements like interaction and communication, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviours.
How is ASD diagnosed?
ASD has some common signs, but some of these can be shared with other conditions, so seeing a GP or healthcare professional is recommended. ASD can include things like avoiding eye contact, problems with language and movement, and impulsive behaviour. People with ASD may also be prone to seizures and can find sleeping and eating difficult. Finally, there are some repetitive behaviours that can point to the disorder – like repeating words, following routines obsessively and carrying out certain repetitive actions, like flapping or spinning in a circle (both ways of self-soothing). A person with ASD may find the disorder affects areas of their life like work and study. But being a spectrum disorder, it can affect people very differently.
What are the 5 disorders on the autism spectrum?
There are five major types of autism which include Asperger’s syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanner’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified.
Who is likely to develop ASD?
ASD affects all genders, ethnicities and backgrounds. However, it might have a genetic link – for instance, if a sibling has it, it can be more likely to present. Also, some people have ASD alongside other conditions, such as Down’s syndrome. Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome (*July’s blog will cover Down Syndrome in more detail).
How is ASD treated?
It depends on the symptoms, but it can include medication, focusing on building specific skills (such as in communication and language) and learning to live independently. That’s where FHA can help support you.
What can FHA do?
We can offer accommodation to adults that helps support them to live independently. This could include support from a carer; shared accommodation; encouraging people to live as part of a community; and working with partners to adapt housing for specific needs. To see how we could help you specifically, or someone you know with ASD, why not get in touch?
FHA supports vulnerable people throughout England to find the right specialist
supported housing for them and their needs. To learn more about the work FHA do, or
to get in touch, send us an email via hello@falconha.org or log onto our website www.falconha.org.