01489 880881 Donate Shop David Burns MBE - Reflections on Autism What is Autism? What Does Autism Look like? About Autism David Burns (MBE) a key speaker for Autism Hampshire shares his thoughts on Autism with us I have two questions I've been thinking about recently. The first is "What is autism?" and the second, "What does autism look like?" Answering the first question has been attempted by numerous people over many years. Autism has been described using different language ranging from a disorder to an advantage. It’s changed quite a bit and still today I read different definitions in books, articles and research literature. I'm quite comfortable that a definition is in development. How would you answer the first question? I think the differences and difficulties arise because definitions try to encompass the second question – what does autism look like? Herein perhaps lies the answer to finding a useful definition – put aside the spectrum of experiences which shape our views and focus on the underlying fundamentals. Here's my answer - see what you think. "Autism is a descriptor for a difference in the way an individual's brain has developed to process information. This difference may be revealed by certain groups of behaviours or impairments depending on the situation and experience of the individual." My definition starts at a neutral point and goes on to say that autism may be revealed by certain things without being too prescriptive about what or when. I might say, "I am not autism itself but you can see its effects." It's just autism without any reference to a scale of severity. Now think about the second question, "What does autism look like?" It could be answered in various ways depending on the situation and experience of a person: A family in crisis Extraordinary abilities High anxiety Struggling to make friends Very creative but difficulties starting a task A child who cannot speak Sensitivity Repetitive behaviours Differences in eye contact In fact, this second question gives us plenty of areas for discussion because if a brain develops differently it's bound to result in different experiences and outcomes for most people. The list could be huge - feel free to add more! Why so much variation in experience? Because an autistic brain doesn't turn out robots but a diversity of individuals - just like every brain. So, what does autism look like for you? David Burns, MBE Publications More useful pages What is Autism? A History of Autism Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum David Burns MBE: Reflections on Autism Local people share their experiences of being autistic Making Workplaces Autism-Friendly Autism Storytime - Children's Books Autism Friendly Classrooms Creating opportunities, challenging perceptions, enhancing choices and providing high quality services to meet the diverse needs of people on the autism spectrum Keep up to date with us Submit I would like to receive news and updates from Autism Hampshire using this information. How we can help About Autism About us Support Us Local Autism Directory News & Events Jobs Donate Need local autism help and information? Call our Information, Advice and Guidance Team 02380 766 162 See our contact page for specific departments Privacy Statement Contact Links Accessibility Options © Autism Hampshire, all rights reserved. Charity Reg No: 288141. Reg. No. 01710300