Autism Spectrum Disorders

Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often suffer anxiety about the social world they live in and the people with whom they interact. In a study by Bond University's Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, children with an ASD were found to have levels of anxiety well above those of their non-ASD peers. Furthermore, for a proportion of these children, their level of anxiety was parallel to children who have suffered major trauma. One of the most challenging and anxiety provoking aspects of the world these children live in is social interaction with their peers at school. From data collected in a study of this issue, over 80 percent of children with an ASD reported experiencing some form of bullying by other children. This led to significant previously unexplained behavioural difficulties in the children's homes. Professor Vicki Bitsika will take forum guests for a walk in the shoes of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and discuss implications for support in both the school and home environments.