Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.
- Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways, and like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses.
- Someone may have mild, moderate or severe autism, so it is sometimes referred to as a spectrum, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Autistic people can be affected in different ways.
- Some may be able to live relatively independent lives, while others may need support or they have accompanying learning or physical disabilities.
- Autistic people often have difficulty with communication and social interaction.
- Some experience over or under-sensitivity to sounds, colours, tastes, smells, light or touch.
- Some need really clear routines or may have certain rituals or obsessions.
- No two autistic people will be the same.
- Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism which also causes communication and emotional problems.
- The National autistic Society estimate that 11 in every 1,000 people (1.1% of the population) are on the autism spectrum.