The autistic spectrum is not a single line from low to high; it is a complex combination of many overlapping characteristics. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects how people communicate and how they experience the world around them, meaning that autistic people can interact and interpret the world in unique ways compared to neurotypical people.
While autistic people may share some similar characteristics, every autistic person is different, with their own set of strengths, differences and needs. For example, someone might be highly creative but may find it tricky to organise themselves and their time, while another person may have a brilliant memory, but find using their imagination difficult.
Autism is sometimes referred to as a hidden or invisible disability, so you can't see that someone is autistic just by looking at them. Many autistic people don't consider themselves disabled, or describe themselves as such. By supporting autistic people's strengths and interests you can help build their confidence and resilience while promoting a neuro-affirming environment where they can thrive.
Social Communication
Autistic people may have differences in interpreting verbal and non-verbal language, like gestures, body language and tone of voice. Some autistic people are non-verbal, meaning they are unable to speak or have limited speech, while others have brilliant language skills but might find they have difficulty with understanding tone of voice and sarcasm.
Differences could include:
Autistic people may benefit from using direct language, rather than language with implied meaning, such as metaphors or sarcasm.
Social Interaction
Autistic people may have difficulty reading others, and recognising or understanding their intentions and feelings. This can lead to difficulties in navigating social situations, for example:
In a world that can be unpredictable, many autistic people can display restrictive behaviours which can help them to predict outcomes and lessen their worries. Examples include:
Other autistic people may use repetitive behaviours as a way to regulate their emotions, or because they enjoy the sensation and find it soothing. You might notice:
Sensory processing is how our bodies receive signals from the outside world through sounds, touch, smells, light, colours, temperatures and tastes. Autistic people process this information differently than neurotypical people and some experiences can cause joy, excitement and regulation, while others cause discomfort, anxiety or physical pain.
Hypersensitivity
Autistic people may find different experiences very intense if they are hyper-sensitive to them. For example, the humming of a machine nearby may be something neurotypical people can block out or ignore, but the sound or vibration could be very distressing for an autistic person.
Examples include:
When multiple senses are alerted in busy places like shopping centres, or schools, autistic people can find the experience overwhelming. This is called sensory overload and the autistic young person may need to escape to somewhere quieter or darker to be able to regulate themselves. There are lots of adjustments that can be made to environments to make them more autism friendly.
Under sensitivity
At other times, some autistic people may not feel like they have enough input, and seek sensory stimulation from the environment around them. This could include:
Some autistic people can have an interest in one or more subjects to the exclusion of everything else. This area of particular interest or passion can be apparent from a fairly young age and be hugely rewarding and enjoyable.
An example of a particular interest or passion may be a young person's interest in trains, where they spend a lot of time playing with, researching and sharing facts about trains. Highly focused interests can come in lots of forms, which may include dinosaurs, LOL dolls, football, make-up tutorials, or gaming. Interests can be person-focused, or a pet or cuddly toy.
The positives of intense interests include the enjoyment of researching and sharing knowledge about particular interests and passions, which can help to form bonds with parents and carers, while also helping to develop useful academic skills. Finding other people with shared interests can also help a young person to expand friendship groups and socialise.
The differences regarding intense interests or passions can include becoming so engrossed in particular topics that it can negatively impact other aspects of a person's life, such as self-care. Or the restriction to one topic stopping the young person from participating fully in other experiences.
Girls, in particular, tend to have particular interests or passions in the same ways boys do, but are often in more culturally acceptable areas, for example, Taylor Swift, boy bands, make-up etc. This can lead to their autistic characteristics going unnoticed for longer.
Arranging an Assessment
If your child is referred for an autism assessment, this will be carried out by a team made up of different professionals who are autism specialists. One person in the team should be your child's case coordinator, which means they will be in charge of:
During the Assessment
During the assessment, the autism team will talk to you about your child and their development growing up. They could ask questions about:
The autism team might also need to:
After an Assessment
The autism team should meet with you as soon as possible after the assessment to explain whether they think your child or young person is autistic and why. You should receive a written report saying what they found in the assessment and send a copy of this to your child's GP. If you agree, they will share a copy with other adults who work with your child, such as their teacher or social worker.
Let us know what you think!
We've been working together in Norfolk and Waveney with families and professionals to put together information, advice and resources that are helpful to families. Let us know what you think, and anything we could change or add to make it even better.
If you live in Norfolk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
If you live in Waveney
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
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