‘Important Days’: World Autism Awareness Day

Let’s take the opportunity to learn more about autism this World Autism Awareness Day!

So, what is Autism?

Autism is a genetic neurodivergence that a person has for their whole life. Being neurodivergent means your brain works in a way that is not typical for most people. This difference affects how an autistic person behaves, communicates, and experiences the world around them.

Although autism is a disability, it is not a learning disability. However, co-occurring learning disabilities can be quite common, with around 30-50% of autistic adults also having a learning disability.

Autism isn’t a mental health condition, either. Although people who are autistic are more likely to experience mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. On a day dedicated to autism awareness, it’s important to recognise how a lack of understanding and acceptance can contribute to the mental health challenges facing autistic people.

Awareness is improving, slowly but surely. But it’s interesting to note that the process of autism diagnosis can prove more difficult for adults who, in some cases, have learned to hide or ‘mask’ their autistic traits because of the perceptions and expectations they grew up with. Research is also debating whether girls are less likely to receive an autism diagnosis because of genetics, or because the diagnostic process is more suited to recognising signs in boys.

Being a spectrum condition, the variation in autism presentation is practically endless, meaning that as research continues, we can expect many more insights and discoveries in the years to come!

Autism: A Spectrum of Experiences

We talk about autism being a spectrum because everyone’s experience of having the condition is different. Some autistic people need high levels of support throughout the day and night; others need support for certain activities at certain times; others live fully independent lives. Whatever their needs, to get an autism diagnosis an individual must display the ‘core characteristics’ of autism, but how those characteristics present is – you guessed it – a spectrum!

The core characteristics of autism are:

Non-typical differences in communication. This includes differences in communication styles, preferences and capabilities. Those who communicate verbally may have limited or intermittent speech. Some autistic people speak with a wide vocabulary, and others may not speak at all. Beyond speech, autistic individuals may use and understand communication tools like words, tone of voice and body language differently. Others may communicate primarily by writing, signing, gesturing or making sounds. Others still may use what is known as augmentative and alternative communication, such as picture cards or high-tech devices.

Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests which have an impact on a person’s everyday functioning. These can be behaviours of self-stimulation (‘stimming’) or self-regulation, and may include having intensely focused interests, repeated patterns of movement and behaviour, and preferences for order, routine and predictability.

Differences in sensory processing. Although autistic people may be highly sensitive towards one or more senses, they may demonstrate a low sensitivity to others. Sensory processing can affect a person’s sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell, as well senses relating to balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal state.

Embracing the Diversity of Autism

Autistic individuals can thrive in environments of inclusivity, understanding, and appropriate support. We all have a part to play in embracing and making room for each other’s differences. As we’ve looked at, autism impacts everyone differently, so it’s important that we don’t make assumptions. The best way of knowing how to support and work well with those who are autistic is to ask them! If an autistic person isn’t able to directly communicate their preference to you, those who know them well should be able to help you understand how to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

At Abacus Care & Support, our skilled team are experienced in working with autistic adults who need specialist support. We recognise the importance of getting to know someone well and learning how best to support them in a personalised way that matches with their needs, values and choices.

There is no better way to understand autism than hearing from those who have it. Explore the links below to hear from a range of individual about what their autism means to them.

Young people explain autism | Ambitious about Autism