Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world around them. There are an estimated 700,000 adults and children in the UK who have a diagnosis of autism.
Autism is a spectrum condition and no two people with autism will be the same, like everyone else, they will each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Below is a list of characteristics and difficulties which autistic people may share, including the two key difficulties required for diagnosis:-
- Social communication and social interaction challenges. You can find out more here>
- Repetitive and restrictive behaviours. You can find out more here>
- Being over or under-sensitive to sensory information. You can find out more here>
- Highly focussed interests or hobbies.
- Extreme anxiety and/or other mental health conditions. You can find out more here>
- Meltdowns and shutdowns. You can find out more here>