Autism
Autism and the related Asperger’s syndrome are part of a range of disorders that can cause difficulties with communication and social skills.
This range of conditions is often referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They are a set of related disorders that begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood.
Autism is not a learning disability, but around half of autistic people may also have a learning disability.
ASD can cause a wide range of symptoms, which are grouped into three broad categories:
- problems and difficulties with social interaction, such as a lack of understanding and awareness of other people's emotions and feelings
- impaired language and communication skills, such as delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly
- unusual patterns of thought and physical behaviour, which may include making repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting
More information and guidance:
- Visit the autism pages on People First
- Visit the autism spectrum disorder pages on NHS