Money SavingWorld Autism Month - Autism Test Online, Famous People With Autism and More.

World Autism Day is an annual celebration of people with autism that raises awareness of developmental disabilities and neural differentiation. The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously declared April the 2nd as ‘World Autism Awareness Day’. It is a whole month’s affair. See which famous people with autism you know, what sensory toys for kids are the best that you can get from Love Discount Vouchers and how you can take an autism test online for free.

Autism awareness of different colour puzzles with writing in different font sizes.

In this blog, we will be discussing the following:

  • Types of Autism and how to take the Autism test online
  • Symptoms of autism in babies, toddlers and older children
  • Sensory Issues, sensory toys for kids
  • Famous people with autism
  • Ways in which you can show support

Types Of Autism

Autism is a complex disorder that affects children’s social interactions, behaviour and interests, as well as their communication skills. No two children are the same and some may be more or less affected than others. There are generally three main forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), although children can fall anywhere on the spectrum and many symptoms overlap.

Autistic Disorder/ Classic Autism

This is sometimes called “classic” autism. This is what most people think of when they hear the word “autism”. People with autism often exhibit marked delays in language development, social and communication difficulties, and unusual behaviours and interests. Many people with autism also have intellectual disabilities. This is a common type of Autistic behaviour.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome is a milder form of autism, and children tend to be more functional. They usually have normal or above-average intelligence and can focus on a single subject, eager to learn as much as possible. Although they are very intelligent, they still have poor social skills and may have difficulty carrying on a conversation or figuring out how to react appropriately. Additionally, they may have coordination issues and appear clumsy.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

This is the most common spectrum of autism as most children fall into this type of autism, as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) covers a wide range of symptoms. They function better than people with autism but have more problems than people with Asperger’s. Children with ASD tend to have average language skills and may not display typical repetitive behaviours, but they still have difficulty interacting socially. PDD may not be diagnosed until the child is a bit older and has noticeably delayed behaviour.

To find out if your child has autism, you can search for the autism test online. This test helps to identify behaviours that could help with the diagnosis of autism in babies and older kids. Visit the site below to get started:

Get your test done today and start living your life with no regrets.

Symptoms Of Autism In Babies, Toddlers and Older Children

Autism In Babies

Two baby girls sitting on the grass with a cake on the side and toys laying around.

Early detection of autism symptoms in infants allows for early therapeutic intervention and better outcomes. While typical development has a wide range, follow your instincts. If you are concerned that your baby is not progressing as he should and reaching milestones, talk to your paediatrician. Some symptoms in babies include:

  • Does not make eye contact
  • Does not smile or imitate other facial expressions
  • Does not respond to hugs or close contact
  • Does not respond to name
  • Does not make small talk or other forms of voice communication that imitate speech

Autism In Toddlers

Toddler girl kid organising coloured pencils accordingly.

Symptoms of autism can become more pronounced as infants move into toddlerhood. You may have had the feeling that something was wrong earlier, but now other signs are appearing. Toddlers are at a stage where they should be engaging more with people and the world around them, but children with autism spectrum disorders may have a harder time making connections. In addition to the previous symptoms, other symptoms may include:

  • Does not say goodbye, show objects or use other communicative gestures
  • Does not play back and forth or initiate interaction with other children or adults
  • Does not talk or does not engage in meaningful communication
  • Dislikes being picked up or held

Signs Of Autism In Older Children

Boy and Girl holding a different coloured brain puzzle which represents autism awareness day.

Autism symptoms tend to get worse as children get older. Their actions and behaviours may be more different than those of their typically developing peers. Children with autism spectrum disorders seem to be absorbed in their world, and disinterested in what is happening around them. Many forms of therapy can help children interact more appropriately with their peers and improve communication and behaviour. Signs of autism in older children can include:

  • Difficulty understanding and responding appropriately to the feelings of others
  • Does not engage in creative play but may repeatedly put away or sort toys in a particular way
  • Difficulty making or keeping friends
  • Unresponsive when speaking to others or participating in group activities
  • Takes statements very literally and has difficulty understanding simple instructions
  • Repeats the same words or phrases over and over
  • Speaks with little or no facial expression corresponding to their emotions

To get Information and advice on how to be diagnosed with autism and how a diagnosis can help, click on theNHS Autism Test right here and see how you can be diagnosed and assessed online through the NHS website.

Autism Sensory Issues and Sensory Toys For Kids

Girls lying down on a green carpet playing with different coloured sensory toys for kids

Autism is often accompanied by sensory disorders. With the help of sensory toys, children with ASD can develop their senses while playing in a natural and safe environment. Autism sensory toys for kids are designed to stimulate a child’s five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. It can include things like bright, contrasting colours, sounds, or different textures.

What Are Sensory Issues?

Two types of sensory issues affect children with autism: Hypersensitivity and Hyposensitivity. Both types of sensitivity affect how children process and react to different stimuli. Let’s take a closer look at both of these.

Hyper-Sensitive Children

Children with hyper-sensitivity overreact to stimulants. This is often called “sensory overload”. Routine and extreme stimuli, such as bright lights or strong smells, can affect children with hyper-sensitivity issues and make them feel overwhelmed.

Hypo-Sensitive Children

Unlike hypersensitivity, some children with autism do not respond to sensory and stimulatory stimuli. An example of this is low pain sensitivity. Children with reduced sensitivity may also react inadequately to bodily cues that affect balance control and bodily coordination. Some adaptations that may be offered to children with low sensitivity include weighted blankets, foods with strong flavours or textures, and activities that develop physical skills such as dancing, jumping, running, and catching a ball.

How Do Sensory Toys Help Children With Autism

Sensory toys for autism help children with this syndrome to calm down when having one of their episodes. This helps them grasp items of value and reduce discomfort, ultimately helping them play naturally. Plus, sensory toys help develop social learning skills like negotiating, planning, and sharing. There is a variety of sensory toys that you could explore out there and choose the one that best suits your child’s needs. These are just a few of them:

  • Sensory Mats  -  These are small and each one uses a different texture. Children can then use their hands or feet to feel and play with different types of textures. You can even ask your child to close their eyes and walk through the different mats while you ask or describe how they feel. Shop sensory mats from Amazon and get exclusive discount codes from Love Discount Vouchers.
  • Chew Toys - It’s not uncommon for parents to use chew toys for babies, especially when they’re teething, but another use for chew toys is with children with autism. Chew toys are made of non-toxic silicone and may contain items or jewellery-like items worn around the neck or wrist. They come in a variety of dot, ridge and pattern textures, or they can also be smooth. Chew toys are designed to develop biting and chewing skills, as well as provide sensory stimulation. Get a variety of chew toys discount codes from Etsy at Love Discount Vouchers and spoil your little one.
  • Sand, Slime, or Putty - Sand, slime and putty are good sensory toys as well. This allows your child to develop their fine motor skills while playing. Shop sand, slime or putty from Argos and get promo codes from LDV that you can use to get some money off your purchase. Shop today and start saving.
  • Pin Art - Push-pin art boards are perfect for children and teens with autism. These toys have steel pins that allow the child to make imprints on the pinboard. You can make prints with your hands and fingers, as well as other objects and toys. The unique feel of the pins, when you touch the artboard, makes it a great sensory toy for toddlers and teens with autism. Shop pin artboards from Menkind Love Discount Vouchers and save when using one of the discount codes that we offer.
  • Rainmaker Toys - To help your child enhance their sense of hearing, try a rainmaker! A rainmaker is a fun toy and a great gift for an autistic child. They help children with autism relax while playing and listening to the soothing sounds of “rain”. Vibrant colours and a cascade of falling beads are another bonus of this toy, allowing kids to engage multiple senses without feeling overwhelmed. Check out John Lewis Discount Codes from Love Discount Vouchers and save on your rainmaker purchase.
  • Fidget Spinners - You may have come across fidget spinners since they became the latest craze a few years ago. These toys help kids focus by keeping their hands busy. Ideal not only for children with autism but also for children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The spinner’s smooth, fast spin is a joy for many children, and with so many different designs, you’re sure to find one your child will love. Shop fidget spinners from ebay Discount Codes and get massive savings using one of our voucher codes.

There are also autism-friendly cinema screenings that you can take your children to, and enjoy watching their favourite movies with your little ones. To book with Vue simply visit Vue Entertainment Discount Codes and enjoy.

Sensory Clothing

For kids with sensory sensitivities — or kids who need to adjust to clothes — getting dressed is, quite literally, a pain. Seemingly small things, like rough lugs or seams, or the belt rubbing against the feeding tube, can be overwhelming for a child wearing these garments. The good news is that your child doesn’t have to suffer. More and more clothing companies are considering accessibility, either by adapting their clothing or by launching entirely new collections to respect children with sensory or medical needs.

Check out these clothing shops and shop for their latest products. Get exclusive discount codes from Love Discount Vouchers to help you save on your purchase.

  • Bombas  is a clothing store that has no seams, no high heels and no constricting top socks, ideal for ages toddlers to adults.
  • Reima - Their clothes are made of smooth material that is not irritating to the skin of autistic children.
  • Vivobarefoot The thin sole lets kids feel the ground under their feet while still being sturdy enough to protect them from rocks, nails, or anything else they might step on.

Shop any of these brands from Love Discount Vouchers and get amazing discount codes to help you save on your order.

Famous People With Autism That You Might Know

Rainbow-coloured colours of a painted face with blue eyes.

Having discussed how autism affects people and the types of autistic disorders there are out there, let’s see which famous people with autism have had successful careers despite their disorder.

  • Daryl Hannah - Daryl Hannah is an actress and environmental activist. She received a diagnosis when she was a child. She was very shy around others and remained very terrified of the spotlight into adulthood. One of her special interests is watching movies that support her acting career. Known for her role in Splash, Blade Runner and Steel Magnolias - we can see that not even ASD prevented her from fulfilling her dreams.
  • Anthony Hopkins - Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when he was a child.
  • Dan Aykroyd - Popular comedic actor that is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as well.
  • Elon Musk - Is the richest man in the world, CEO and chief engineer of SpaceX; CEO and Product Architect of Tesla. He recently revealed that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome on Saturday Night Live.
  • Christine McGuinness - Is a TV personality and married to Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness. She was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was 33.

These famous people with autism that we have mentioned are recognised for their great achievements in this world. They have had a positive impact on so many lives. It’s great to remember that every person with autism spectrum disorder is different. Despite their different view on life, they can still be successful and live fulfilling lives.

Ways In Which You Can Show Support

You can show your support this World Autism Day by doing any of the following:

  • Wearing blue. It could be a blue ribbon, a piece of clothing or a special t-shirt you can purchase from an NPO like Autism Speaks. Shop some blue clothing on Shein and get money off your order.
  • Share a selfie on social media with one of the hashtags or events that will take place on the day.
  • You can also get blue-coloured light bulbs from B&Q, to show your neighbours, family or friends that you support this day.
  • You can donate to charities that are in support of Autism like GoFundMe and many more.

These are just a few of the many ways you can show your support for this day. So go out there and try your best and make this day a special one for all those who see the world from a different angle! Get an autism test online done to check for any behavioural issues that might be autistic, remember to get sensory toys for kids to help your little ones to calm down and have fun. Visit Love Discount Vouchers for any discount offers on sensory clothing and many more.

While it is important to remember that many autistic people need more support than others, each autistic person has unique strengths and abilities. Seeing how famous people with autism were able to beat the odds, should be a motivation to all of us that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. People with autism can live fulfilling lives, especially when they accept who they are and become unique and wonderful people.

Scrabble image spelling out a sentence regarding world autism awareness and painted palm prints.

Posted 12th April, 2023

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