Condition : Autism (1)

Autism is a natural difference in how a person's brain works and experiences the world. Autistic people may think, communicate, learn, process information, and experience sensory input (such as sounds, lights, textures, or smells) differently from non-autistic people.

Being autistic is not an illness or something that needs to be fixed. People naturally have different types of brains (this is called neurodiversity), and autism is a form of neurodiversity. Autism can bring strengths, such as attention to detail, creativity, honesty, deep interests, and unique ways of thinking, alongside challenges that may require understanding, adjustments, and support.

Every autistic person is different, so autism can look very different from one individual to another. Autism is a lifelong part of a person's identity and way of being in the world.

Signs of autism might include:

• thinking, learning, or experiencing the world in different ways
• differences in communication, e.g. using eye contact and tone of voice differently to non-autistic people
• differences in social interactions, e.g. being very quiet, or taking long conversational turns
• finding social situations confusing, difficult, or tiring
• uncertainty about what other people might be thinking or feeling
• noticing small details, patterns, sounds, smells, or textures that others may not notice
• being more sensitive to things such as noise, light, touch, taste, or smell
• having deep interests and enjoying spending lots of time on them
• using repeated movements, sounds, or behaviours to help with focus, comfort, or managing feelings
• liking routines and knowing what to expect
• finding unexpected changes stressful or upsetting

Young children who are autistic may:

• not respond to their name
• get very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell, or sound
• use repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers, or rocking their body
• not talk as much as other children
• not do as much pretend play

Autism is different for everyone, so not all autistic people will experience all of these signs. 

Autism is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors that affect how the brain develops before and after birth. There is no single cause of autism.

For more information about autism assessments, please see our service pages below.

Support for children and young people

There are a number of Berkshire-wide and national organisations who provide support to children and their families for autism-related needs (with or without an autism diagnosis), including support related to education.

Support for adults

Explore advice from the National Autistic Society, as well as information and guidance from Autism Berkshire and Autistica.

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