| All children are unique, and this is especially true in the | | | | inability of being able to fully express themselves to |
| case of autistic children. Due to the knowledge being | | | | others. Coupled with a lack of understanding of their |
| gained on the increasing range and complexity within | | | | situation, this has led to children being labelled as badly |
| the autistic spectrum it is being widely recognised that | | | | behaved or out of control. Finding ways to help them |
| each child has their own particular character traits. As | | | | communicate their needs and frustrations leads to an |
| with any child, they deserve every opportunity and | | | | improvement in behaviour. Each child is born with their |
| assistance to help them in dealing with their autism and | | | | own special characteristics that are unique to them. |
| to develop into mature and useful members of society. | | | | Instead of trying to have each one develop and |
| Unfortunately, the general conception is that anyone | | | | conform to a pre-conceived ideal, they should have |
| who is "different" has to be of a lower level of | | | | the opportunity to grow and to express the particular |
| intelligence. This could not be further from the truth with | | | | gifts they have been given. This does of course, need |
| autism, as it is now being acknowledged that autism | | | | to be guided to fit within certain parameters in order |
| itself frequently brings with it a higher than average | | | | for our society to work and also develop. In the case |
| level of intelligence. There are an increasing number of | | | | of autistic children this is of particular importance to |
| cases where children have displayed a high degree of | | | | enable the child to realise their full potential. Although |
| talent in the arts and musical fields. These areas are | | | | autism does bring a very real set of different |
| also highly effective in helping the child to develop their | | | | challenges, with the appropriate help and guidance |
| own gifts in other areas. The use of music for | | | | from others, autistic children can be helped in |
| example, can be helpful when creating a calming | | | | developing their strengths towards making a positive |
| environment for the child concerned. Creative activities | | | | contribution to the family and society as a whole. |
| can also be utilised to develop dexterity and motor | | | | Rather than "writing off" an autistic child we need to |
| skills whilst keeping the child's mind active. Providing a | | | | seek ways to recognise and develop the individual |
| number of varied activities can be especially effective | | | | talents within their character and to do all that we can |
| in improving the concentration on any given task. | | | | in order for them to realise their aims in life. Given time |
| The frustrations and tantrums that are so | | | | and understanding the autistic child can grow into a |
| characteristic of the autistic child are often due to the | | | | loving and truly unique person. |