Autism affects different people in different ways with the key areas of difference for diagnosis being…

·       Difficulties and differences with social interaction

·       Difficulties and differences with social communication

·       Repetitive and restrictive behaviours, usually obsessive in nature, but mostly can be considered calming

As well as the difficulties and differences around communication, social interaction, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours, a great many autistic people struggle with sensory overload, a consequence of living their life in a world that cannot easily accommodate autistic characteristics.   Autistic people process their senses quite differently to neurotypical (non-autistic) people and particularly with autistic children, this can be interpreted by others as disruptive and challenging behaviour.

Autistic individuals do have great strengths, such as :

·       In-depth knowledge around areas of interest

·       Honesty and integrity

·       Great attention to detail

·       Accuracy and consistent accuracy

·       Methodical approaches

Autism should never be seen as anything other than a different way of being, a different way of understanding and communicating with the world around you.  

Once diagnosed it is important to find out how autism affects the individual.  This can be done by having an awareness and attributing meaning to every aspect of behaviour.

Autism left undiagnosed or where the necessary supports are not implemented, can lead to a deterioration in the mental health of the individual, causing even more difficulties.  Allow Alison Briers Talking Autism to support you and your organisation through the complex condition of autism.