Living with Autism

Aaron is seen here in his sensory room at his home in St. Alban’s.

Aaron Northcott is a 13-year-old boy who lives in St. Alban’s. He was diagnosed at age seven with Aspergers Syndrome, also known as high functioning Autism.

Aspergers are characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Autism begins in infancy or childhood and has a steady course without remission or relapse, and has impairments that result from maturation-related changes in various systems of the brain.

Asperger syndrome is distinguished by a pattern of symptoms rather than a single symptom. It is characterized by qualitative impairment in social interaction, by stereotyped and restricted patterns of behaviour, activities and interests, and by no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or general delay in language.

“Aaron experiences difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which includes a failure to develop friendships and has a lack of social interaction at times,” stated Diana Northcott, Aaron’s mom.

“Each day he faces difficulties with concentration, loud noises and anxiety about going to school or even the doctor. School is very stressful for Aaron because he has problems with appropriate social behaviours.”

Aaron copes day to day with the help of his parents, Diana and Doug Northcott, and they have dedicated each and every day to making his life as stress free as possible. He also has a student assistant at Bay d’Espoir Academy who is very patient and is there just to assist him through his classes.

Diana said, “Aaron has learned to cope over the years by recognizing when he is stressed and then letting us know so we can help him through whatever the issue might be. We have created a sensory room in our home where he can go relax and have some quiet time when he needs it,” said Ms. Northcott. “This room consist of fidget toys which are small toys that fit in his hand. He can squeeze them and some are filled with beads or fluids. Aaron has lots of figurines, which provide him hours of stimuli for the mind, and he creates his own scenes and stories with these figurines. There is an electronic keyboard that he can play and he learns songs by ear and has also mastered several songs without the help of anyone. He loves music and loves to sing. We have lighted pictures and lamps to create visual stimuli and sounds such as waterfalls, classical music, lot’s of books so he can read and relax.”

This sensory room is a place to fulfill all his sensory needs. The school also has a sensory room at school for Autistic children when they feel stressed or anxious.

“Aaron started reading when he was four years of age without any help. When I asked him how he knew the words, he said, ‘mom I don't know, I just know them’ ”.

Aaron is a very bright child and seems to pursue specific areas of interest such as names, information and being able to memorize things that others would not.

“School is very difficult for Aaron at age thirteen,” said his mom. “Most of his classmates are going through their typical teenage years, dating and hanging out, whereas Aaron likes to stay at home on the computer. It’s a hard time for him because he gets bullied and teased because he is not as mature as the other kids his own age, so it’s a challenge.

He is doing well in school despite his disability and he is very enthusiastic about helping the teachers. I have been told he is a very nice and polite boy by all the staff and he truly is a special child.”

Children with Autism are more attentive, learn more and are happier spending their time alone and Aaron enjoys that time.

Many autistic children have problems developing social skills, but often have an easier time with games and technology.

The iPad, like other computers, is an effective tool for many on the autism spectrum. Its flexibility and portability offer some additional advantages, though, over laptops or PCs. The touch screen and layout make the iPad more accessible for children with coordination or learning difficulties; these children may find sliding and tapping easier than either typing or writing.

The St. Alban’s Lions Club and Lioness have graciously agreed to provide Aaron with a new I Pad 2, which has proven to benefit many children with Autism. This is recognized by the Autism Society as a very useful tool in terms of concentration, visuals, academics and even social apps. “I have to say I am deeply honoured to be getting this iPad for my son Aaron,” said Ms. Northcott. “I can’t thank the Lions and the Lioness enough; they are truly an amazing organization.