It is estimated that there are 2,802 children and young people aged 0-17 years or 3,823 children and young people aged 0-24 years living with autism in Hampshire.
Autism can be defined as a lifelong developmental ‘hidden’ disability that affects the way a person communicates with and relates to, people and the world around them. People with autism have a wide spectrum of needs and no two people are the same. There are three key areas of difficulty known as the ‘triad of impairments’ that all people with autism are likely to experience:
- Social communication – difficulties understanding and using verbal and nonverbal language, such as gestures and tone of voice
- Social interaction – difficulties recognising and understanding other people’s feelings and managing their own.
- Social imagination – difficulties in understanding and predicting other people’s intentions and behaviour and adapting to new or unfamiliar situations.
In addition, many people with autism are over-sensitive or under-sensitive to particular things such as smells, tastes, colour, sounds or touch.
Marvels and Meltdowns is a parent-led, not-for-profit, registered charity supporting families with children affected by ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and/or ASC (Autistic Spectrum Conditions) in Gosport, Fareham and the surrounding areas, through the provision of the ADHD & ASC family centre and to a wider community through our online social media community. You do not need a diagnosis to access Marvels and Meltdowns.