Everything you need to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder
20 March 2024
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way the brain processes information and often causes those affected to act differently to other people.
It comes in varying levels of severity and can result in a wide range of symptoms.
Many autistic people, for example, are very intelligent and capable of maintaining a high level of focus, giving them the potential to excel in certain roles and professions.
On the flipside, people with autism often find social situations difficult, which can make daily life more complicated and rule other jobs out completely.
Behaviours caused by autism can include:
- difficulty interacting with other people
- finding bright lights or loud noises stressful
- getting anxious in social situations
- doing the same things over and over again
Know your numbers
According to the National Autistic Society, there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK today.1
What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
According to the NHS, the symptoms of autism change as people get older.
In young children, for example, symptoms can include not responding to their name, avoiding eye contact, getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste or sound, and repeating the same phrases or movements.
In older children, meanwhile, common signs include not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling, liking a strict daily routine, finding it hard to make friends, and having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities.
And for autistic adults, symptoms tend to include getting very anxious about social situations, seeming blunt or rude, and finding it hard to say how you feel, as well as continuing to prefer following the same routine every day.
At all ages, autistic people also tend to have trouble understanding social "rules", such as not talking over people or invading other people's personal space.
Did you know?
Autism can manifest differently in women to men, perhaps because of the female instinct to "fit in" and not make a fuss. This can lead to autistic women and girls showing fewer symptoms, which can make the disorder harder to spot.2
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed?
It's notoriously difficult to get an Autistic Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, especially for a child. But here are the steps you should follow to give yourself the best chance of getting the right diagnosis for you or your child.
- Contact a local health professional such as your GP, your health visitor, a therapist, or the special education staff at your child's school and ask them to refer you or your child for an autism assessment, which is the only way to get a diagnosis at this time.
- Attend the autism assessment conducted by a team of specialists who will observe how you/your child interacts with other people and will also liaise with others who know you or your child well, to determine what symptoms you/they display in daily life. At the end of the assessment, you'll be given a report saying whether you or your child are autistic or not.
What should I do if I can't get a diagnosis?
It's not always easy to get an autism assessment. Waiting times can be very long and there's no guarantee the assessment result will be the one you were expecting.
If this is the case, you can ask your GP (or another GP) to refer you to another team for a second opinion, or you can pay for another assessment by a private professional who works outside the NHS.
While waiting for an autism assessment, you can also:
- ask a GP to refer your child for speech and language therapy
- find a local support group
- talk to teachers or special education staff at your child's school
- speak to student support services at college or university
- speak to your manager or human resources at work
- ask your local council for a care needs assessment
What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There's no easy answer to this question because the exact causes of autism are still not fully understood.
Current thinking is that having autism is the result of many complex and interacting factors, including genetics, the environment, and the development of the brain.
Did you know?
Autistic people often repeat what others say to them, which is classified as a separate condition called echolalia.
How can Autism Spectrum Disorder be treated?
There is no one standard treatment for autism, but speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy can all be helpful.
For autistic people who have seizures or suffer with related depression, medication may also be prescribed to help with these symptoms.
Structured behavioural programmes can also prove effective when it comes to helping autistic people manage symptoms that disrupt their daily lives.
What support is available for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (and their loved ones)?
Autism support is available from:
- local support groups
- national charities
- schools, colleges, and workplaces
- your local council
- your GP
- your autism assessment team
You can search for support in your area via the National Autistic Society directory, which includes residential, supported living and respite, employment support, diagnostic, schools and nurseries, social groups and leisure activities, solicitors, and advocacy organisations.