What is autism?

A general guide for everyone:

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how people understand the world and communicate with others.

It is a spectrum condition, which means all autistic people share some traits, but these can vary from person to person and even change day by day.

Autistic people experience the world in their own unique way. Their thoughts, values, and experiences make their view of the world different from others.

Did you know?

• Over 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic.
• Autism affects both boys and girls, but more boys are diagnosed. The current ratio is 3:1.
• Autism is not the same as a learning disability or mental illness, though some autistic people may also have these.
• Autism is influenced by both genetics (what you inherit from your family) and the environment (your surroundings).

How might autism affect people?

Communication

• Some autistic people take things very literally.
• They may find it hard to understand body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice.
• Some may not speak, while others use advanced words but might use them in unusual ways.

Flexible thinking

• Autistic people might prefer routines and may repeat actions or words to feel calm.
• Unexpected changes can cause stress or anxiety.
• Many have special interests and focus deeply on what they enjoy.

Social interaction

• It can be hard for autistic people to understand others’ feelings or emotions.
• They may struggle with social situations or not notice social rules.
• Some may find facial expressions and gestures confusing, while others copy them to “fit in.”

Sensory sensitivities

• Autistic people may be very sensitive to sights, sounds, touch, taste, or smell.
• They might also notice internal feelings like hunger or pain differently.
• Some do actions like hand-flapping, rocking, or tapping to feel calm (this is called stimming). These actions should not be stopped by others.

Meltdowns and shutdowns

• Meltdowns happen when someone feels overwhelmed or trapped. They might feel extreme frustration and find it hard to express themselves.
• Shutdowns can happen when someone feels overloaded or tired. They might seem distant or withdraw from others to cope.

Strengths of autistic people

• Strong attention to detail.
• Deep knowledge about topics they love.
• Great memory for facts or visuals.
• Ability to focus intensely.
• Honest and direct communication.