How to identify autism and get support for it

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition.

It’s considered a spectrum disorder because it includes a certain set of behaviours that are different for everyone. The signs of autism generally develop in early childhood and last throughout a person’s life.

ASD includes Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a type of autism with less severe symptoms and no language delay.

The NHS website stresses that autism is not an illness or a disease – it means that your brain simply works differently.

As such, the autistic community has moved away from saying someone “has autism” and prefers to say “s/he is autistic”.

Autism often comes with other conditions, most commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, epilepsy, anxiety and depression.

Around one in 10 people are autistic – so that means about 56,000 in Scotland.

Autistic people can have difficulty “reading” people. For instance, they may struggle to interpret tone of voice, or spot sarcasm. They may take things very literally or have trouble processing information. Many autistic people can seem unemotional, and often like time alone.

Repetition and routine helps autistic people to make sense of a confusing and chaotic world. They may repeat movements such as hand flapping to help them stay calm.

Over-sensitivity and under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste and touch is common in autistic people. For example, the music in restaurants or noise in a shopping centre can be overwhelming and even painful. Even a hug can lead to sensory overload.

Autistic adults and children often have great passions, and can immerse themselves in hobbies with incredible dedication.

Autistic people often feel extreme anxiety, especially in social situations and periods of change. The National Autistic Society says that one-third of autistic people have mental health issues, so it’s important they learn their triggers and find ways to cope.

When overwhelmed, autistic people can react with meltdowns or shutdowns. An autistic child having a meltdown will look like a complete loss of control, often with self-harm or violence.

Many parents find this hard, as strangers can mistake it for a common tantrum. On the other hand, an autistic person may “switch off” when they don’t know how to handle a difficult situation.

Experts say there is no one specific cause of autism, but a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.

When managing the condition, experts focus on behavioural, psychological and educational therapy and it is thought that early intervention delivers the best results.

When a child starts school, an educational support plan should be built around their needs. Many autistic children have support from a range of professionals in school, social work and health.