Autism
A neurological difference in how people process and respond to the world around them.
What is autism?
Autism is a neurological difference that shapes how a person processes and responds to information, communication, and experience. Around 700,000 people in the UK, about 1% of the population, are autistic, and it shows up differently in everyone.
Autism is a spectrum condition, so no two autistic people are the same. Strengths and challenges vary widely from one person to the next.
~700,000
autistic people in the UK
About 1%
of the population
Lifelong
a spectrum condition, not an illness
Common characteristics
Social communication and interaction
Differences in verbal and non-verbal communication, such as reading tone, gestures, and emotions. Some autistic people have little speech, while others have strong language but find sarcasm or abstract ideas difficult.
Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
Routines bring a sense of predictability. Repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking can help manage stress, and many are simply enjoyable.
Sensory sensitivity
The senses can be heightened or reduced. Background sounds that others ignore may feel unbearably loud, causing anxiety or discomfort.
Highly focused interests
Intense, focused interests often become a source of expertise, joy, and well-being.
Anxiety
Many autistic people experience significant anxiety, especially around social situations and change.
Meltdowns and shutdowns
When things become too much, a person may have a meltdown, a loss of control, or a shutdown, a quieter but equally difficult withdrawal.
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