01489 880881 Donate Shop What is Autism? About Autism What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong condition that can affect how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It can also affect how a person makes sense of the world around them. Autism names and terms There are a number of names and terms that are used to describe autism, such as Asperger's Syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC). Some professionals may also refer to autism by different names, such as classic autism or Kanner autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or high-functioning autism (HFA). Autism Hampshire uses the term autism. The word "spectrum" is used because individuals can be affected in such different ways. While all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people on the autism spectrum are able to live relatively independent lives, but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People on the autism spectrum may also experience over or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. Asperger's Syndrome is a diagnosis that is given to autistic people who did not have delayed speech development as a child. Autism is often known as "the hidden disability" as it may not be immediately apparent. Autism is the only disability that has ever had its own parliamentary act - The Autism Act 2009. Autism is also much more common than most people think. There are over half a million people in the UK on the autism spectrum - that's around 1 in 100 people. How do people on the autism spectrum see the world? People on the autism spectrum have said that the world, to them, is a mass of people, places and events, which they struggle to make sense of, and which can cause them considerable anxiety. In particular, understanding and relating to other people, and taking part in everyday family and social life may be harder for them. Other people appear to know, intuitively, how to communicate and interact with each other, and some people on the autism spectrum may wonder why they are 'different'. People from all nationalities and cultural, religious and social backgrounds can be on the autism spectrum, although it appears to affect more men than women. It is a lifelong condition: children on the autism spectrum grow up to become adults on the autism spectrum. Autism and Neurodiversity The Person Centred Approach Characteristics of Autism (also known as the triad of impairments) What causes autism? Diagnosis Is there a cure? ASD in adults: diagnosis and management Gender & Autism 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