Understanding Autism

It can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing, routines, interests and the way information is processed. Every autistic person is different, with their own combination of strengths, preferences and support needs.

What is autism?

Autism is not an illness and is not something that needs to be “cured”.

It describes a pattern of neurodevelopmental differences that begins early in life, although autism may not be identified until much later.

Some autistic people require significant support with everyday activities, while others live independently but may still experience difficulties that are not immediately visible to other people.

Common autistic characteristics

Autistic people may experience:

• Differences in social communication and interaction
• Difficulty interpreting indirect language or unwritten social expectations
• A preference for clear and direct communication
• A strong preference for routine or predictability
• Difficulty adjusting to unexpected change
• Highly focused or specialised interests
• Repetitive movements or behaviours
• Differences in sensory processing
• A preference for particular ways of organising information or completing tasks
• Feeling overwhelmed by busy or unpredictable environments

These characteristics vary considerably between individuals.

Strengths associated with autism

Strengths associated with autism

Autistic people may have significant strengths, including:

• Strong attention to detail
• Deep knowledge of particular subjects
• Creativity
• Honesty and directness
• Logical or systematic thinking
• Pattern recognition
• Persistence
• Strong commitment to areas of interest

A good assessment considers strengths as well as difficulties and support needs.

Autism in children

Autistic characteristics can become apparent at different stages of childhood.

Parents, carers or teachers may notice differences in communication, play, friendships, sensory responses, routines or reactions to change.

Some children show clear characteristics from an early age. For others, differences become more apparent as social and educational demands increase.

Autism in adults

Many adults seek an autism assessment after years of feeling different without understanding why.

They may have learned to consciously observe and imitate social behaviours, prepare conversations in advance or suppress natural responses in order to fit expectations.

This is sometimes described as masking or camouflaging.

Maintaining these strategies can require considerable effort and may contribute to exhaustion or overwhelm.

Autism and ADHD

Autism and ADHD can occur together.

Someone may experience autistic differences relating to communication, sensory processing and predictability while also experiencing ADHD-related difficulties with attention, impulsivity, organisation or restlessness.

Where there are significant features of both, it may be appropriate for both conditions to be considered during assessment.

What happens during an autism assessment?

What happens during an autism assessment?

Depending on age and individual circumstances, assessment may include:

• Developmental history
• Clinical interviews
• Information from parents, carers or someone who knows the person well
• Consideration of communication and social interaction
• Sensory experiences
• Routines, interests and behaviour
• Recognised autism assessment tools where clinically appropriate
• Consideration of alternative or co-occurring conditions

Assessment should never rely on a single questionnaire or screening score.

Why might someone seek an assessment?

People seek autism assessments for many reasons.

Some want greater self-understanding. Others may be looking for appropriate support at school, university or work, or want to better understand longstanding difficulties with relationships, sensory environments or everyday demands.

For families, an assessment may help them understand a child’s needs and identify appropriate support.

Considering an autism assessment?

Recognising autistic characteristics in yourself or your child does not necessarily mean that autism is present.

A specialist assessment can explore developmental history, strengths, difficulties and individual circumstances to determine whether the diagnostic criteria for autism are met.