What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurological and de-
velopmental condition. It affects how
people communicate, interact with oth-
ers, understand their surroundings. It
affects autistic people differently and the
abilities, challenges and support needs
of autistic people vary significantly.
3 Key Areas of Difference:
1. Social Understanding & Communication
2. Differences in the way sensory infor-
mation is processed.
3. Behaviours, Interests &
information processing
1. Social Understanding & Communication
Differences in recognising or understanding other people’s behaviours and cues; expressing feelings and engaging with others.
2. Differences in the way sensory information is processed.
Some people may have low or high sensitivity to touch, sight, hearing,smell, taste, body awareness, balance which may lead to sensory overload.
3. Behaviours, Interests & information processing
Differences in how information is processed:
· An inability to absorb spoken information
· Repetitive movements (stimming) for self-
soothing or expressing joy
· Adjusting to unpredictable changes in routine
· Passion for particular interests.