What is autism?

Autism has historically been misunderstood. Even today, many people still ask the question, “what is autism?”

Understanding autism and how it affects people is important for everyone, whether you’re autistic or not.

In fact, as a non-autistic person, practising neuro-affirming behaviours is one of the most supportive things you can do for people with autism. It shows a deep understanding of their experiences and needs, and helps with breaking down the feeling of ‘othering’ that many people feel.

So, whether you’re simply looking to learn more about autism or hoping to gain a deeper understanding of yourself or a loved one, The Autism Service is here to help.

In this guide, Dr Lisa Williams answers the common questions we’re asked about autism and explores the signs, symptoms and support available for those with the disorder.

What is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences and interacts with the world.

Autism develops while a baby is growing, causing differences in brain development. It’s a lifelong condition that a person is born with – it can’t be developed later in life.

Autism is a spectrum, meaning everyone experiences it differently, with a range of challenges, strengths and needs.

Today, the overarching term ‘ASD’ is used to encompass all forms of autism. But before it was classified as a spectrum, different types of autism were named to categorise people’s varied experiences. Past types of autism include Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Asperger’s.

While some people still find these terms useful to describe themselves, it ultimately comes down to personal choice.

How common is autism?

Around 700,000 people in the UK have an autism diagnosis, with one in 100 children having a diagnosis.

Researchers at University College London estimate that there are more undiagnosed people with autism than there are diagnosed in the UK – with approximately 750,000 people aged 20 and above believed to be going undiagnosed. This suggests the total autistic population of the UK is more likely around 1.2 million people.

How does the autism spectrum work?

It’s a common misconception that the autism spectrum is a linear scale ranging from mild to severe.

In reality, there is no chart or visual representation of the autism spectrum. Instead, the term ‘spectrum’ refers to the idea that every person with autism has a unique experience with the condition.

Each autistic person exhibits different traits, symptoms and challenges. For example, some may struggle with social interactions, while others might have no trouble socialising but face difficulties with learning or sensory processing.

Alongside these challenges, people with autism also have unique strengths, such as extraordinary attention to detail, creativity and near-photographic memory and perception.

What are the signs and symptoms of autism?

It’s difficult to provide a definitive list of autism symptoms, since people’s experiences vary so widely. But below, we look at some of the most common symptoms of autism:

Difficulties with social interaction

One of the most common traits of autism is difficulty socialising with others.

This can involve challenges like:

• Understanding and processing social cues
• Taking sarcasm and figurative language literally
• Maintaining eye contact
• Using typical facial expressions and body language

Social interaction can be a significant source of stress for many autistic people, and spending time alone can offer a sense of comfort.

While socialising often comes innately to neurotypical children, those with autism often need to learn and practice social skills consciously.

Repetitive behaviours

People with autism often rely on routines for comfort and can experience distress when faced with changes or transitions. ‘Stimming’ – such as fiddling with objects, rocking, or repeating words – is also a source of comfort.

These repetitive behaviours are a method of calming self-regulation and a coping mechanism when faced with overwhelming or uncertain situations.

Niche interests

A desire to deeply engage in interests and hobbies is a common trait in autistic people.

This intense focus and learning is often referred to as ‘hyperfixations’ or ‘special interests’. These interests can range from common topics to highly niche and specific areas.

Mental health issues

While people with autism aren’t innately more likely to develop mental health issues, research shows they experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than non-autistic people.

A National Autistic Society study found that 47% of autistic people suffer from severe anxiety, and 50% of autistic people report that depression significantly impacts their lives.

These elevated rates among people with autism commonly stem from bullying or feelings of social isolation.

Hyper- or hypo-sensitivity

People with autism can often experience atypical levels of sensitivity. They might be either overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or experience low sensitivity (hyposensitive) to light, touch, smell and more.

Autistic brains often process sensory inputs differently. This is why hyper-sensitivity can sometimes lead to overstimulation when a person is overwhelmed by their surroundings. These symptoms are not exclusive to autism, though.

Autistic people share some overlapping symptoms with other neurodevelopmental conditions like dyslexia and dyspraxia – and it’s also possible for neurotypical people to experience one or many of these symptoms.

Autism and ADHD are also closely linked, with commonly shared traits such as misinterpreting social cues, overstimulation and struggling to maintain focus and organisation.

This is why a formal autism diagnosis can help improve the quality of life for many people with ASD. A clinical diagnosis can be the first step in helping someone understand themselves and their behaviours better, and access more targeted support.

It can also encourage friends, family and employers to make reasonable adjustments to help people better manage their symptoms.

Treatments to help autism

While there is no cure or specific medication for ASD, there are a range of therapies and treatments that can help autistic people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to treating autism, as each person is unique and will benefit from different strategies. Below are some of the most commonly used therapies:

• Behavioural therapy – Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) widely uses rewards and praise to encourage positive behaviours and support learning.
• Speech and language therapy – This type of therapy involves exercises like role-play and collaborative activities with family members and teachers to improve communication skills and the ability to understand others.
• Occupational therapy – Occupational Therapy (OT) is designed to help people with autism develop the skills to perform daily tasks as easily and independently as possible. This includes building routines, replicating common real-world scenarios and working closely with guardians to ensure they are fully supported.

Criteria for an autism diagnosis

Spotting the signs and symptoms of autism is dependent on factors such as age, sex and severity.

For a person to be diagnosed with autism, they need to meet criteria outlined by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

The ICD determines an autism diagnosis based on four key categories:

• Deficits in initiating and sustaining social interactions
• Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour
• Visible autism symptoms in early childhood development
• Autism symptoms creating difficulty in completing everyday tasks

How can The Autism Service help?

At The Autism Service, we recognise that autism affects each individual differently. Our specialised face-to-face assessments for adults and children ensure that diagnosis and support are highly tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is autism a disability?

Although not all autistic people identify as disabled, autism is recognised as a developmental disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means people with autism are legally protected from discrimination.

This also entitles autistic people to reasonable adjustments in specific environments like employment and education.

Is autism genetic?

Yes, autism is genetic. Research shows that genetic factors are responsible for 80% of autism cases, although the exact gene variations and causes are still unknown.

Is autism hereditary?

Yes, autism is hereditary, meaning it runs in families. Multiple inherited factors contribute to autism being passed down from parents.

Autism resources

Looking for further support with understanding or managing signs of autism? Read our helpful resources or contact our team today:

• • The pros and cons of an ASD diagnosis
  • Signs of autism masking in women
  • Early signs of autism in babies