Avtizem je vseživljenjska razvojna motnja, ki po zadnjih ocenah prizadene enega na 54 otrok.. Ker avtizem zajema več različnih motenj (npr. Aspergerjev sindrom, visoko funkcionalni avtizem, klasični avtizem) govorimo o motnjah avtističnega spektra ali na kratko MAS. Pri vsakem posamezniku z MAS se motnje izražajo nekoliko drugače. Ljudje z MAS imajo največ težav na področjih socialne komunikacije, socialne interakcije ter fleksibilnosti mišljenja.

Težave na področju socialne komunikacije se kažejo kot težave z verbalno in neverbalno komunikacijo (npr. dobesedno razumevanje govora, nerazumevanje obrazne mimike in intonacije glasu, šal in sarkazma, fraz). Težave na področju socialne interakcije se kažejo pri prepoznavanju ali razumevanju čustev in občutij drugih ljudi ter izražanjem njihovih lastnih občutij. Osebe z MAS imajo težave pri vzpostavljanju prijateljstva; nekateri si zelo želijo, da bi se družili z drugimi, vendar pa ne vedo natančno, kako naj to storijo. Težave s fleksibilnostjo mišljenja se pri osebah z MAS kažejo pri razumevanju in tolmačenju misli, občutkov ter dejanj drugih ljudi, pri predvidevanju, kaj se bo ali kaj bi se lahko zgodilo. Zaradi tega je njihovo vedenje lahko videti nenavadno ali manj sprejemljivo. Druge značilnosti, ki jih lahko opazimo pri osebah z MAS so odvisnost od rutine, senzorna občutljivost, posebni interesi, učne težave in primanjkljaji na posameznih področjih učenja, kot so disleksija, diskalkulija ali dispraksija, motnja pozornosti in hiperaktivnost, motnje spanja, motnje presnove in hranjenja. Osebe z MAS lahko imajo nadpovprečno dober spomin in so lahko tudi izjemno uspešni, zlasti na področjih, ki jih zanimajo. Zdravilo za avtizem trenutno še ne obstaja, obstaja pa vrsta učinkovitih metod, ki omogočajo uspešno učenje in razvoj posameznika.

Študij osebe z MAS je lahko zelo naporen, saj se posamezniki lahko soočajo z raznolikimi in številnimi težavami, ki vplivajo na študijske dosežke in potek študija. V ta namen je na Univerzi v Mariboru na voljo možnost pridobitve posebnega statusa, ki omogoča prilagajanje obveznosti takšnemu študentu.

Kako lahko pomagate vrstniku z MAS?

  • Opazujte in poskusite razumeti. Informirajte se o avtizmu. Več informacij najdete na spletni strani Zveze za avtizem Slovenije.
  • Ne obsojajte nenavadnega vedenja; lahko, da je to le način sproščanja stresa.
  • Z osebo z MAS govorite na jasen, dosleden način. Vprašanja naj bodo kratka in enoznačna. Dajte jim čas za odgovor.
  • V pogovoru se izogibajte šalam, sarkazmu, prispodobam.
  • Omogočite jim rutino in upoštevanje pravil. Kadar to ni mogoče, jih na spremembo prej opozorite.
  • Ponudite praktično pomoč (npr. organiziranje in načrtovanje dela).
  • Spodbujajte njihove interese in jih pomagajte usmeriti na področje študija ali v zaposlitev.

Osebe z MAS se lahko vedejo drugače od običajnih ljudi, delajo drugače, se učijo na drugačen način, kljub temu lahko čutijo potrebo po prijateljstvu, bližini, vzpodbudi. Zato naj vas njihova morebitna navidezna brezčutnost ne odbije. Niso hudobni, leni ali počasni, so drugačni. Ob pravi spodbudi in podpori lahko razvijejo svoje potenciale in postanejo zelo uspešni in kreativni.

Na Univerzi v Mariboru se v sodelovanju z Društvom študentov invalidov Slovenije trudimo, da bi zagotovili potrebne prilagoditve tudi za uspešno vključevanje študentov z MAS v pedagoški proces. Stremimo k cilju, da bi se prav vsak študent Univerze v Mariboru počutil sprejetega s strani vrstnikov in visokošolskih učiteljev.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that, according to the latest estimates, affects one in 54 children. Because autism includes several different disorders (e.g., Asperger syndrome, highly functional autism, classic autism), we speak of autism spectrum disorders, or ASD.In each individual with ASD, the disorder manifests itself somewhat differently. People with ASD have the most problems in the areas of social communication, social interaction, and flexibility of thinking.

Problems in the field of social communication are manifested as problems with verbal and non-verbal communication (e.g., literal comprehension of speech, misunderstanding of facial expressions and intonation of voice, jokes and sarcasm, phrases). Difficulties in social interaction manifest themselves in recognizing or understanding other people’s emotions and feelings and expressing their own feelings. People with ASD have trouble making friends; some are eager to socialize with others, but don’t know exactly how to do it. Problems with flexibility of thinking in people with ASD are manifested in understanding and interpreting other people’s thoughts, feelings and actions, in anticipating what will or what could happen. As a result, their behavior may seem unusual or less acceptable. Other characteristics that can be observed in people with ASD include routine dependence, sensory sensitivity, special interests, learning difficulties and deficits in individual learning areas such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorders, metabolic and feeding disorders. People with ASD can have an above-average good memory and can also be extremely successful, especially in the areas they are interested in. There is currently no cure for autism, but there are a number of effective methods that allow an individual to learn and develop successfully.

For a person with ASD studying can be very stressful, as individuals may face a variety of many problems that affect their academic achievement and course of study. For this purpose, the University of Maribor offers the possibility of obtaining a special status, which enables the adjustment of obligations for such a student.

How can you help your peers with ASD?

  • Observe and try to understand. Learn about autism. More information can be found on the Slovenian Autism Association website.
  • Don’t condemn unusual behavior; it may be that this is just a way to release stress.
  • Talk to the person with ASD in a clear, consistent way. The questions should be short and unambiguous. Give them time to respond.
  • Avoid jokes, sarcasm, parables in conversation.
  • Enable them a routine and follow the rules. When this is not possible, warn them of the change in advance.
  • Offer practical help (e.g., organizing and planning work).
  • Encourage their interests and help guide them to study or employment.

People with ASD may behave differently than ordinary people, work differently, learn differently, yet they may feel the need for friendship, closeness, encouragement. So don’t be turned off by their apparent insensitivity. They are not evil, lazy or slow, they are different. With the right encouragement and support, they can develop their potential and become very successful and creative.

At the University of Maribor, in cooperation with the Slovenian Association of Disabled Students, we are trying to ensure the necessary adjustments for the successful inclusion of students with ASD in the pedagogical process. We strive for the goal of making every student of the University of Maribor feel accepted by peers and higher education teachers.