Do you know someone with autism?
Autism is much, much more common than most people think.
About 1 in 100 people have autism. That's more than 700,000 in the UK alone
So the chances are that someone you know, or work with or love has the condition.
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how we communicate with, and
relate to others.
And it affects how we make sense of the world around us.
Lots of things that people take for granted like body language and metaphors can be confusing
and alienating for us.
Autism is a spectrum condition so whilst we all share certain difficulties, our autism
will affect is in different ways.
Some of us have been to university and hold down jobs whilst others need a lifetime of
specialist support.
Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism.
People with Asperger's syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.
They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding
and processing language.
WHAT IS AUTISM LIKE?
For us, the world can be a confusing mass of people, events and places.
Sometimes, we struggle to make sense of the world and this can make us anxious.
Every person with autism is different, that's what makes it so difficult to understand.
But some of the characteristics that we have include a love of routines, sensory issues
such as noises, smells, or light, and having special interests.
Some of us experience difficulties in understanding and relating to other people and having a
social life can be that much harder for us. For some of us for example, going to a party
can be really hard because I don't know what's going to happen or who will be there, and
it often gets too noisy which can be upsetting. Other people with autism have trouble reading
facial expressions, understanding jokes or sarcasm or common phrases like break a leg.
Even phrases people use every day, like 'it's cool', can be disorientating -- you think
they're asking you to turn the air conditioning off!
Many people with autism don't 'look' disabled: parents of children with autism often say
that other people simply think their child is naughty; while we adults find that we are misunderstood.
That's why it's called an hidden disability.
WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?
The exact cause of autism is still being investigated.
But research suggests that a combination of factors - genetic and environmental - may
account for changes in brain development.
Autism is not caused by a person's upbringing or their social circumstances.
IS THERE A CURE?
There is no 'cure' for autism. But there are interventions that enable learning
and development which may be helpful. You can find out more by going to : www.autism.org.uk/approaches
DIAGNOSIS If you, or someone you know thinks they have
autism, they can contact their GP who can refer them to a specialist for diagnosis.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? There are many good people doing good work
for autism up and down the country but we need the support of the wider community.
Together, we can break down barriers. Together, we can ensure that autism, which is far more
common than other conditions that get far more attention, remains on the agenda.
We hope that you will join us in helping more people with autism lead the life they choose.
If you want to learn more about autism go to www.autism.org.uk
You can receive continued news and information about autism by becoming a member of The National
Autistic Society.
As a member, you will receive 'Your Autism Magazine' quarterly, which includes news about
autism, stories from people living with autism, practical tips, and much more.
You will also receive regular e-newsletters, an Autism Alert Card and exclusive voting
rights which help influence how The National Autistic Society -- the leading UK charity
for people with autism - can continue to help people with autism.
Accept difference, not indifference. Thank you.