Autism

Autism is described as a spectrum disorder because the condition affects people in different ways and varying degrees. It is a lifelong neurological condition which affects social and communication skills. Autism is not a learning disability although some people with Autism can also have specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia

The Condition
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long developmental disability affecting social and communication skills. Whatever the level of intelligence, everyone with the condition shares a profound difficulty in making sense of the world

The degree of impairment centres on the person's inability to socially interact which impairs opportunities for education, training and employment or achieving independence

How common is Autism?
Autism is more common than people presume, affecting all cultural and social backgrounds, worldwide. Four times as many males as females are diagnosed with Autism but nine times more males than females have Asperger's Syndrome. Studies in 2006 (Baird et al), record a prevalence rate of about 1 in 100 as a best estimate for children

No prevalence studies have been carried out for adults but the National Autistic Society estimate that 600,000 people have Autism

What causes Autism?

Despite media attention and the MMR vaccine, exact causes are not known. Occasionally, Autism may be linked to conditions that affect brain development such as rubella, encephalitis or tuberous sclerosis.

There is no cure but a combination of therapies and interventions can support a person and a family's ability to manage

Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a form of Autism and a 'hidden disability'. There are less common ASD's such as Rhett's Syndrome or Fragile-X Syndrome. Common co-morbid neurological conditions include Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Tourette's and Epilepsy

Characterised by a difficulty with social interaction, communication and social imagination, people with AS show no delay in language development and are always of average or above average intelligence

Apart from love of routine and resistance to change, obsessive behaviors include rocking, spinning and hand flapping as well special interests in particular subjects or objects. There can be a form of sensory sensitivity, either intensified (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hyposensitive)

National Autistic Society
393 City Road
London
EC1V 1NG

Tel: 020 7833 2299
Email: nas@nas.org.uk
Website: www.nas.org.uk

Regional Coordinators:
North East: Lisa Pitkeathly - 0191 568 0733 - lisa.pitkeathly@nas.org.uk
Yorkshire and Humberside; Rebecca Mears - 01845 573 590 - rebecca.mears@nas.org.uk

As champions for the rights and interests of all people with autism, the charity aims to provide individuals with autism and their families help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon to make a positive difference

Research Autism
Church House
Church Road
Filton
Bristol
BS34 7BD

Tel: 020 82928900
Email: info@researchautism.net
Website: www.researchautism.net

The only UK charity exclusively dedicated to research into interventions in autism. Work includes conducting high quality, independent research into new and existing health, education, social and other interventions as well as working with individuals, carers, service providers and policy makers to ensure research outcomes address real issues to make a significant difference to people's lives

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