Autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition (meaning it is related to how our brains develop) which is present from childhood and is associated with a particular way of learning, thinking, feeling and communicating.

When someone is autistic they will think, feel, communicate and perceive the world in ways similar to other autistic people but in different ways from neurotypical people. They may:

• Find social situations exhausting or confusing.
• Be bothered by sensory information such as noises and smells- much more so than non autistic people.
• Have difficulties in making or keeping friendships.
• Prefer to do things in a certain way, or the same way each time.
• Have a preference for routine and familiarity
• Have a great eye for detail and notice patterns that other people don’t
• Like moving their body in a certain way as it feels good or helps them stay calm
• Be very direct in their communication style.
• Prefer not to make eye contact.
• Enjoy talking in detail about their interests.
• Need more time to process information when it is given verbally.
• Find emotions overwhelming or find it more difficult to work out what they are feeling.
• Have a great memory for facts, especially when related to their interests.
• Prefer being alone for longer periods compared to non autistic people.