Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.
Dr Leo Kanner was the first person to use autism as a diagnostic term back in 1944, he used the term autism to diagnose people who had a social and emotional disorder.
Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. If you are autistic, you are autistic for life; autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be 'cured'.
The definition of autism has changed dramatically over the decades and may continue to change in the future, the changes of the definition allow more people to receive a diagnosis, allowing more people to gain support when needed.
Today estimations suggest that there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children (one in 100 people) living in the UK.
Dr Leo Kanner was the first person to use autism as a diagnostic term back in 1944, he used the term autism to diagnose people who had a social and emotional disorder.
Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. If you are autistic, you are autistic for life; autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be 'cured'.
The definition of autism has changed dramatically over the decades and may continue to change in the future, the changes of the definition allow more people to receive a diagnosis, allowing more people to gain support when needed.
Today estimations suggest that there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children (one in 100 people) living in the UK.
Autism is a spectrum condition because the autism spectrum is so broad each individual is different to one another, autistic people may share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.
Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health difficulties or other conditions, meaning each individual may need different levels of support.
All people on the autism spectrum have strengths and weaknesses and are able to learn and develop with the correct support.
Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health difficulties or other conditions, meaning each individual may need different levels of support.
All people on the autism spectrum have strengths and weaknesses and are able to learn and develop with the correct support.
Autism can affect different areas of development such as:
Social Communication
Repetitive Behaviour
Social Communication
- rarely using language to communicate,
- not responding when spoken to,
- struggles to use/understand physical gestures e.g pointing at objects or waving goodbye
- Unable to recognise/use facial expressions to communicate.
- Prefers to play alone, does not engage in imaginative play.
Repetitive Behaviour
- Lining up toys in a particular way e.g. in straight lines or categorising them repeatedly.
- Speaking in a repetitive manner or repeats what has been said to them (echolalia).
- Has strong/high interests in one particular object, etc.
- Relies on routine e.g. has to put clothes on in a certain order/ or walk a certain way to the shop, etc.
- Has difficulties changing from one activity to another.
- Sensory sensitivities e.g. does not like the feel of certain materials/labels in clothes, does not like the feel of certain textures or smells, etc.
What Next?
If you do have any concerns then we suggest contacting your GP (or health visitor dependant on child's age) who will then be able to start the referral process.
There is no cure for autism BUT early intervention and support can have a huge impact on an autistic person's life ensuring that their needs are being met.
Receiving a diagnosis for yourself or for a family member such as your child can be a daunting and lonely experience, try and not to worry we assure you that you are not alone! There are a variety of charities and groups across the North West of England who are able to offer support, services and funding
Social media can also be a great way to connect with other's in a similar situation, not only with people from around the world but also within your local community too.
If you do have any concerns then we suggest contacting your GP (or health visitor dependant on child's age) who will then be able to start the referral process.
There is no cure for autism BUT early intervention and support can have a huge impact on an autistic person's life ensuring that their needs are being met.
Receiving a diagnosis for yourself or for a family member such as your child can be a daunting and lonely experience, try and not to worry we assure you that you are not alone! There are a variety of charities and groups across the North West of England who are able to offer support, services and funding
Social media can also be a great way to connect with other's in a similar situation, not only with people from around the world but also within your local community too.