«Every encounter with an autistic child is an opportunity»
Mrs Schaefer, why do we talk about the autism spectrum and not simply autism?
The term autism spectrum is used to describe a variety of different behaviours, none of which are specific to autism, but which represent a combination of typical symptoms. The type and degree to which the affected children exhibit these characteristics varies greatly from individual to individual. In contrast to the term autism with its very strict categorisation, the dimensional description of the autism spectrum does much more justice to the individuality of the children with their strengths and weaknesses.
What concerns do parents come to you for clarification?
Very young children, i.e. around the age of two, often have difficulties with their speech development. Most parents come to the assessment with this concern. The question of the autism spectrum must then be assessed: To what extent can the child compensate for the lack of language development with non-verbal strategies? Children on the autism spectrum typically find this difficult.
Other concerns of parents often relate to a child's difficulty engaging in an activity for a longer period of time or repetitive activities that take up a lot of time and leave little room for anything else. The older the affected children get, the more frequently parents report interaction difficulties - especially with their peers.
As head of the autism consultation at Zurich Children's Hospital, you also look after the families of affected children and young people. What challenges do they face and what do you focus on in your counselling?
Parents are often very stressed and challenged; they want support in accompanying their children. In addition to establishing therapeutic and educational support or relief options, our counselling is primarily aimed at involving parents as experts on their children. We want to strengthen them in their intuitive parenting skills and show them how valuable the moments are for the children in which joyful contact is created together. As a rule, these interactions between child and parent are the most successful.
Lecture cycle «Cosmos child»
The Elternsein Foundation, publisher of the Swiss parenting magazine Fritz+Fränzi, has launched the "Akademie. For the child. Giedion Risch" has launched the exclusive lecture cycle «Kosmos Kind». Recognised experts address different aspects of childhood and convey them in a way that is understandable and relevant to everyday life. Fritz+Fränzi subscribers benefit from discounted tickets.
