Inclusion in everyday life

Autism: more awareness among the population

Around one percent of the population is affected by autism.

(Bild: gwolters/stock.adobe.com)

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. Graz-based psychologist Bernadette Schinnerl has specialized in the neurodevelopmental disorder for thirteen years. In an interview with "Steirerkrone", she talks about the challenges her patients face in everyday life.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological developmental disorder. It affects around one percent of the population. In recent years in particular, there has been a huge increase in the number of new diagnoses. Psychologist Bernadette Schinnerl from the Graz-based autism center Libelle explains this sharp increase as follows: "There are not suddenly many more autistic people than before. But the awareness that autism spectrum disorder exists has become much greater. In addition, early detection has improved significantly and people are taking a much closer look."

In addition, the performance requirements in society have increased enormously over the past 20 years. Children and adults who cannot cope with the fast pace of life and the demand for a high degree of spontaneity also stand out more quickly as a result.

There is no one person on the autism spectrum. Every autistic person and their needs are unique.

Bernadette Schinnerl, Psychologin im Autismuszentrum Libelle

"Quiet hour" for more inclusion in everyday life
Even everyday things, such as grocery shopping, pose a major challenge for many of those affected due to the enormous sensory overload. For this reason, the "quiet hour" was introduced in some selected supermarkets. This also applies to the Billa branch in Theodor-Körner Straße in Graz in cooperation with the Libelle autism center. The lights are dimmed for 60 minutes a day from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., there is no music or announcements over the loudspeakers and the employees also make every effort to reduce stimuli as much as possible.

A colorful spectrum
"There is no classic symptomatology. But there are certain core characteristics that all autistic people exhibit to varying degrees," emphasizes the psychologist. This is why we also speak of an autism spectrum disorder and want to move away from the previous terms and categorizations such as "atypical", "early childhood" or "Asperger's" autism when making new diagnoses.

It is important to be aware that it is ok to be different! This takes the pressure off those affected and their relatives.

Bernadette Schinnerl 

For people with autism spectrum disorders, dealing and communicating with other people is a major hurdle. They have a lack of flexibility and sensory abnormalities. Many of those affected are particularly sensitive to noise and light, as their sensory processing does not work as well. The natural filter that distinguishes important from unimportant stimuli is often missing. As a result, everything is equally loud and bright and leads to overwhelm even in everyday situations. Autistic people have a great need to implement consistent rituals in their everyday lives and to have a certain uniformity in their environment.

Graz-based psychologist Bernadette Schinnerl has been specializing in autism spectrum disorders for 13 years.

(Bild: Autismuszentrum Libelle Graz)

Everyday life as a challenge
The earlier the diagnosis can be made and those affected receive therapeutic support, the better. However, autism is a lifelong disability that cannot be treated away. The psychologist knows that it is therefore not an easy diagnosis for parents either and that they need time to come to terms with the fact that their child has limitations. However, it often proves to be a kind of relief and knowing what it is gives hope that obstacles can be overcome better in future with the right support network. "For parents, it is associated with a lot of stress in everyday life and a certain rethink in their approach to their own child. However, I find that most parents are very committed and motivated," emphasizes Schinnerl.

According to the psychologist, the aim is for people on the autism spectrum to be able to lead as independent a life as possible. However, whether this is possible or not depends on the respective severity. "People on the high-functioning autism spectrum often have special skills and are experts in certain areas. If the framework conditions are adapted for them in companies, then they are very valuable employees. And there are currently very positive developments in this area. More and more companies are recognizing the potential," explains the psychologist.