What Is Autism
Autism Screening

What is Autism?

What Is Autism

People with autism may act in a different way to other people. Autistic people may:

  • Think or do the same things over and over
  • Take longer to understand information
  • Find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
  • Find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
  • Get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
  • Find things like bright lights and loud noises uncomfortable, stressful, or overwhelming

Autism is not:

  • Caused by bad parenting
  • Linked to diet
  • Caused by vaccines

‘A Person with Autism’ vs.  ‘An Autistic Person’.

There is no fixed agreement on saying someone is autistic or has autism, but rather depends on personal preference.

Is autism an illness?

No, Autism is not an illness or disease. It is not a medical condition, there is no treatment or ‘cure’, but some people need support to help with certain things.

Autism is something you are born with and will have your whole life. Signs of Autism can be noticed in childhood or as an adult.

Can autistic people live a full life?

Yes, autistic people can live a full life. There are some things autistic people excel in, and other things they may struggle with.

Autism will not stop you from making friends, having a job, or having relationships. Although some autistic individuals may need some extra help with these things.

Some autistic people have learning disabilities – this means they may find it hard to look after themselves and may need help with daily activities.  

Although autism is a lifelong condition, behaviors and abilities can be developed, increasing the opportunity for someone with autism to successfully live independently.

Are there other names for autism?

You may hear autism described as:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – this is the medical term for autism
  • Asperger’s Syndrome

Do autistic people typically have other conditions?

Autistic people often have other conditions, such as:

  • Epilepsy
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dyslexia

Signs of autism in children

Autism symptoms can differ between younger and older children. Symptoms in a younger child include:

  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Not responding to their name
  • Not talking as much as other children
  • Repeating the same phrases
  • Repetitive movements, such as rocking their body, flapping their hands and flicking their fingers
  • Getting upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell, or sound
  • Not doing as much pretend play
  • Taking more time to meet developmental milestones
  • Disliking it when schedules change or incidents occur without warning

Autism symptoms in older children include:

  • Finding it hard to say how they feel
  • Not seeming to understand what others are thinking and feeling
  • Getting upset if you ask them to do something
  • Preferring to be on their own or finding it hard to make friends
  • Having a keen interest in a certain subject or activity
  • Getting very upset if a strict daily routine they like changes
  • Repeating phrases and talking ‘at’ others
  • Not understanding a phrase with more than one meaning and taking it literally
  • Not understanding social cues and may say inappropriate or insensitive things

Autism in girls and boys

Autism is four times more likely to present in boys, and may present differently in girls than it does in boys. Also, autism may be harder to detect in girls.

Autistic girls may:

  • Show fewer signs of repetitive behaviors
  • Appear to cope better with social situations than boys
  • When they find situations difficult, they withdraw
  • Copy how other children behave and play, which hides some signs