What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects the way a person perceives the world, how they behave and how they interact with other people. Autism is a spectrum condition which means that not all people will be affected in the same way.

While autism will not go away and cannot be “cured”, with the right therapies and approaches all children and young people can be supported to reach their full potential.  

The video below from the National Autistic Society will give you an introduction to what autism is and how people with this condition experience the world.

Here is another video produced by one of our local young people, Jacob Riley. In this video, Jacob demonstrates how autism has affected him. 

Some of the topics you might be interested in finding out more about include:

What are the signs of autism?

What causes autism?

Autism and gender

Other associated conditions

You can find a large amount of very useful information to help you understand autism by visiting the websites of the National Autistic Society and/or the Autism Education Trust.

Healthtalk is another useful website, whereby you can find out more infroamtion about Autism. 

The Centre for ADHD & Autism Support has produced a booklet aimed at newly diagnosed autistic adults which provides information about what autism is and the support available for them. Although this booklet is aimed at adults, families of newly diagnosed autistic children may find it informative and useful to reflect upon. 

If you've received a diagnosis...

Approaches to autism

If you don't have a diagnosis...

Assessment and diagnosis