Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and related to other people and how they experience the world around them.
Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. If you are autistic you are autistic for life; autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be ‘cured’. Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity.
Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop. With the right sort of support, all can be helped to to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.
For more information on autism please go to the National Autistic Society website or click here www.autism.org.uk
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Definition courtesy of the National Autistic Society
What is Autism?
