What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

What does it mean to be Autistic?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder which affects how individuals communicate and interact with others and the world around them. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum- in the UK there are 700,000 autistic adults and children.

Key characterstics of Autism

Social communication difficulties:
1. Taking things literally and finding it hard to understand abstract concepts.
2. Needing extra time to understand and process information.
3. Repeating what others say to them (Echoalia).
4. Appear to be insensitive towards others.
5. Find it hard to form relationships with others including friendships.
6. May seek alone time when overloaded by other people.
7. Considered to behave 'strangely' or in a way which is socially inappropriate.

Repetitive and Restrictive behaviours:
1. May repeat movements such as hand flapping, rocking or repetitive use of an object.
2. May find change to routine distressing.

The causes of Autism

We believe that autism does not need a cure and should be seen as a difference, not a disadvantage (The National Autistic Society)

Autism is not due to bad parenting or emotional deprivation. Scientists believe that autism is genetic- whereby multiple genes are responsible rather than a single gene.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a spectrum disorder- this means that it affects people in different ways. So each persons expereince of autism is unique and an intervention or coping strategy which works well for one person may not be appropriate for someone else.