Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with the world around them. It is characterised by a wide range of strengths, including heightened empathy, attention to detail, and curiosity.
It is also associated with challenges, including communication and sensory differences, and consistent or repetitive ways of behaving and engaging with the world.
Autism presents very differently from person to person. Some autistic people may face differences in social skills, while others may be highly communicative.
Others may struggle to find their place in traditional structures of academia, while others may thrive in educational environments and display exceptional knowledge about niche topics.
Are there different types of autism?
The most recent edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the DSM-5, made significant changes to the diagnostic criteria for autism compared to its predecessor, the DSM-4.
The same is true of the latest World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) - ICD-11.
These changes have led to some differences in how autism is categorised and diagnosed. Previously, autism was classified as a number of separate conditions, including:
- Autistic Disorder
- Asperger’s Disorder
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
However, these individual diagnoses have now all been merged into one singular descriptor: autism.
What are the common characteristics of autism?
Recognising the characteristics of autism is crucial for early diagnosis and support. While every individual with autism is unique, there are certain common signs to look out for.
Each person's experience of autism will vary greatly. Some individuals may exhibit all the traits mentioned below, while others only show a few traits.
Signs of autism in children
While every child develops at their own pace, specific indicators can suggest a child may be autistic:
- One common sign of autism in children is a lack of eye contact. Typically, babies start making eye contact with their parents within the first few months of life. However, autistic children may avoid or prefer not to sustain direct eye contact.
- Another sign of autism is delayed speech development. Most toddlers begin babbling and saying simple words by around the age of 12 months. But if a child shows little or no interest in communicating verbally by this age, it could be an indication of autism.
- Repetitive or 'stimming' behaviours can also be an indication of autism in young children. Some examples include hand flapping, spinning objects repeatedly, or consistently lining up toys.
- Difficulties with social interactions are another potential sign. For instance, a child might not respond to their name being called or show little interest in playing games.
These signs alone do not guarantee a diagnosis of autism; they simply suggest that further evaluation may be beneficial.
Characteristics of autism in adults
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Although many people are diagnosed with autism during childhood, the signs can often be missed, meaning that some adults go without proper support until much later in life.
The characteristics of autism in adults are broadly similar to those in children:
- Finding it challenging to understand social cues and gestures can make it difficult for autistic adults to build relationships or succeed in the workplace.
- Repetitive behaviours and routines are also associated with autism, including specific rituals or habits to which individuals strictly adhere.
- Sensory sensitivities are also common among autistic adults. Certain sounds, lights, textures, or smells may be overwhelming, which can lead to anxiety or avoidance of certain environments.
- Individuals might also experience challenges with their executive functioning skills, such as trouble planning, organising tasks, and ordering information.
Is autism a disability?
Autism is legally defined as a disability in the UK under the Equality Act (2010). This means autistic people can bring legal complaints if they feel they are victims of workplace discrimination.
However, autism is better understood as a set of neurological and developmental differences that affect how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them; the term ‘disability’ can oversimplify this.
It's essential to recognise that autistic people possess unique strengths and abilities. Many autistic individuals have exceptional talents in areas like mathematics, music, art, or technology. Their ability to think outside traditional academic parameters can lead to innovative problem-solving approaches that benefit society at large.
The ways in which an autistic person perceives the world, solves problems, processes information, and thinks outside the box should be celebrated.
Instead of viewing autism through the lens of disability, we should focus on creating inclusive environments where autistic people can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
Is autism considered a mental illness?
Autism is not classified as a mental illness. Unlike mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders, which primarily affect an individual's emotional state, autism is not a condition to be cured.
While an autistic person can face challenges with their mental health in a society that is ultimately not designed with them in mind, autism should not be conflated with mental illness.
It's crucial to perceive autism as a set of neurological differences that require support, and to move away from viewing it only in terms of deficits.
By recognising the unique strengths autistic individuals bring to the world, as well as helping them to manage and navigate the challenges they might face, we can promote inclusivity and reframe our understanding of neurodiversity.
Is autism considered a learning disability?
Autism is not a learning disability. A learning disability refers to difficulties acquiring specific academic skills such as reading, writing, or mathematics.
While some autistic individuals may have co-occurring learning disabilities, not everyone does. In fact, many autistic individuals possess incredible talent in areas like music, maths, or visual arts.
Although there can be overlap between autism and learning disabilities for some people, it's essential to approach each person as an individual with unique abilities rather than making assumptions based solely on diagnostic labels.
What does an autism assessment look like?
For individuals who suspect they may have autism or wish to pursue a formal diagnosis, an autism assessment can provide valuable insight and clarity.
They are conducted by qualified professionals who specialise in diagnosing autism, including psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and others.
The goal of an autism assessment is to accurately diagnose whether an individual meets the criteria for autism according to established diagnostic guidelines.
Having a formal diagnosis can be crucial for accessing appropriate support services, therapies, educational accommodations, and community resources tailored to autistic people.
How ProblemShared can help
If you think you may have autism and would like to seek an assessment, we can help.
We’ve been assessing patients for autism and ADHD for over half a decade; our assessments are completely remote, allowing you to access clinical support from the comfort of your own home.
As an approved NHS Right to Choose provider, you can ask your GP to refer you to our service. Our current autism wait times are available on our Right to Choose page.
You can also check out our online autism screener - a short online test intended to help you understand whether your current experiences tally with the symptoms of autism.
While the screener cannot replace the clinical rigour of a professional autism diagnosis, it can help you understand whether an assessment would be in your best interests.
