What is autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it’s a natural difference in how the brain develops and processes information. According to the DSM-5, Autism is described through two areas:
1. Differences in social communication and interaction
Autistic people may experience:
• Finding it harder to understand or use social rules that other people take for granted (e.g., turn-taking, small talk). • Needing extra time to process non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice. • Preferring clear, direct communication rather than hints, sarcasm, or vague instructions. • Building relationships differently, sometimes fewer but deeper connections, often based on shared interests.
2. Patterns of behaviour, interests, and sensory processing
Autistic people may:
• Have special interests they focus on deeply, often becoming very knowledgeable or skilled in those areas. • Find comfort in routine and predictability, which helps reduce stress and uncertainty. • Use repetitive movements or behaviours (sometimes called “stimming,” e.g., rocking, hand-flapping, humming) to self-regulate emotions and energy. • Experience the world in a unique sensory way — being more sensitive (or less sensitive) to things like sound, light, textures, or smells.
Autistic people have strengths such as:
Honesty
• • • • •
Attention to detail
Creativity Fairness
Persistence
• Strong memory for things that matter to them.
Approximately 1.1% of adults in the UK have a diagnosis of Autism. Most research show a greater proportion of males to females with Autism (3:1 – 5:1). This is thought to be because of under-reporting and underdiagnosis in women, and women having a better ability to mask their difficulties.
Each person will have their own mix of strengths and challenges.
DEVON ADULT AUTISM AND ADHD SERVICE 4
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