What is autism?

How do we describe autism?

Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is a lifelong disability that starts when a person is born and stays with them into old age. Every Autistic person is different to every other. This is why autism is described as a ‘spectrum’. Aspect describes autism as a different brilliant®

Defining autism

What are the myths and misunderstandings about characteristics of autism?

To adequately define autism practically is complex. There are lots of myths and misunderstandings about autism. But while many Autistic people experience difficulties, with the right support they can achieve a great quality of life.

There is also a misconception that the autism spectrum is linear. In fact, Autistic people display a wide range of characteristics. These encompass their strengths, communications, social interactions, leisure and play. Rather than a straight line, their characteristics appear more like a constellation.

Characteristics of autism

The characteristics of autism are widely varied. Some include:

Strengths & Interests

Areas of strengths vary but include: logical or visual thinking, persistence, eye for detail, good skills with technology, and a memory for facts and figures
Very strong focus on specific interest areas
Deep interest in typical topics such as Pokémon, sport, Disney or trains or more unusual topics e.g. air conditioners or bins
Up to 20% of Autistic people have exceptional or above average skills in one or more areas such as reading, maths, art, mechanics, music or memory.

Communication

Communicate honestly and directly
A dislike or difficulty with small talk, sarcasm or understanding jokes
Repeating words or phrases in a way that can seem out of context
Not using or understanding gestures like pointing
Using sounds, signs, gestures or pictures to communicate instead of spoken words
Taking extra time to understand spoken information

Social Interactions

Discomfort in busy complex social situations
Might prefer to play alone or next to others more than with them
An ability to pay attention without making eye contact
Using or responding to body language differently
Social interactions are often misunderstood by non-Autistic people

Leisure & Play

Preference for leisure based on passions
Non-traditional play such as repetitive lining up of toys
Preferring to do things in the same way
Comfortable socialising through technology such as phones, video conferencing or online chats and games

Sensory

Being constantly aware or more aware of some sensations (sounds, smells, tastes, touch etc)
Feeling distressed or overwhelmed if there are too many sensations at once (loud noises, lots of touching, bright lights etc)
Working hard to avoid distress by covering ears, or hiding in quiet places to block out sensations
Discomfort with touch such as clothing, tags or light touch from others
Seeking sensory experiences by smelling food, flicking fingers in front of lights
Not noticing internal sensations like hunger or pain

Thinking

An uneven pattern of thinking abilities
An ability to focus on one thing for a very long time
Difficulty switching from one thing to another
An ability to notice specific details, patterns or changes that other people are unaware of

Experiencing & Displaying Emotions

A strong, sometimes overwhelming, emotional connection to others
Repeating movements such as flapping hands or pacing around to show excitement or to help cope with stress
Delay in learning to understand and regulate emotions
Difficulties understanding how non-Autistic people think in some situations (Just as non-Autistic people have difficulty understanding Autistic people)

Challenges associated with autism

Autism is often linked with physical, developmental or mental health conditions. These could include intellectual disability, epilepsy, gastro-intestinal issues, ADHD, dyspraxia, anxiety or depression.

However, many of the disabling challenges associated with autism come about when individuals don’t have respect, understanding and support. When they do, they can become much more comfortable in a non-Autistic world.

Autism Alert Card

Aspect has recently developed the Autism Alert Card. The card is designed to assist Autistic individuals to communicate their need for support to others, in situations that may be challenging. Aspect are offering these cards free to people on the autism spectrum.

The Autism Alert Card is an Autistic led initiative.

Order your card here