About Autism

Autism is a lifelong neurological and complex condition that affects the way a person perceives and interacts with other people and the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that whilst all people with autism share certain difficulties, they will be affected by them in different ways. Some may lead relatively independent lives while others require dedicated support every day.

There is currently no real consensus on whether autism is one condition or a range of similar and inter-related neurodevelopment conditions with separate sub-groups, such as Kanner or classic autism, Asperger's syndrome and high functioning autism.

As a spectrum condition, autism manifests itself in many different ways. Some people with autism have accompanying learning difficulties, whilst others may possess high levels of intellectual ability. However, everyone living with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world and exhibits difficulties in three main areas:

​Social interaction
This includes difficulty with social relationships, appearing aloof, showing compromised ability and little desire to live in communal situations, trouble in understanding social rules and prioritising their own needs over those of other people.

Communication
There can be difficulty in interpreting verbal and non-verbal communication such as understanding the meaning of common gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice. In some cases, people might have limited or no ability to talk.

Restricted repetitive behaviours
There can be difficulty in managing transitions and dealing with changes in routine. Repetitive behaviours, such as pacing, hand flapping or rocking and persistent preoccupation with certain subjects and objects are typical.
People with autism may also display some or all of the following characteristics, which can present themselves as either challenges or strengths, but all of which have implications for the design of their home environments:
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  • Sensory abnormalities such as unusual reactions to stimulation or difficulty in making sense of stimulation. Certain visual details, colours, sounds, smells, tastes or textures can cause both distress and enjoyment.
  • A need for more personal space and dislike of physical contact.
  • Poor awareness of danger.
  • An inability to generalise concepts, which means skills learnt in one situation may not be transferred and employed in a similar situation.
  • Poor coordination and balance.
  • Seizures or periods of loss of consciousness may be experienced.
  • Special interests and sometimes high levels of ability in music, mathematics, technology or art.
  • Vulnerable to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

There is no single register of people with autism in the UK, but it is estimated that 1% of the adult population suffer from the problem. Autism affects men and women of all racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, but it troubles men far more than it does women on a possible ratio of 4:1.