What is Autism?
Autism is a condition which affects the way people communicate, and how they interact with the world. Around 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and it is called a spectrum because it impacts people in different ways. There will be autistic children at your child’s school and you will meet autistic people throughout life, but like all neurodevelopmental conditions, it is often hidden.
Some of the ways autism can impact an adult or child are:
Social Communication
Difficulties in understanding verbal and non-verbal language like gestures or tone of voice.
Sensory Sensitivity
Over or under sensitivity to light, sound, taste, smells, temperature or touch. Schools, workplaces and shopping centres can be particularly overwhelming and cause sensory overload.
Social Interaction
Difficulty understanding the feelings and emotions of other people, finding it hard to form friendships..
Highly focused interests or hobbies
Many autistic people have intense interests, often from a fairly young age.
Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
Preferring routines as they give certainty in an uncertain world. Change can be very difficult. Some people like to do the same thing again and again, like watching the same video clip.
Anxiety
Often autistic adults and children feel great anxiety, especially in social situations or dealing with change.
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Autism Support
Films & Articles
Want to know more about autism?
There is lots of information about autism on the Internet but we recommend you use the National Autistic Society’s website to find trusted advice and information:
Find out more about our Highland Information Service in this short video.