What is autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability which affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and how the experience the world around them. Signs typically appear during early childhood years and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

ASD is define by a certain set of behaviours and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.

There is no known single cause of autism but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. People from all nationalities and cultural, religious and social backgrounds can be autistic. 

All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop. With the right sort of support all can be helped to live a fulfilling life of their own choosing.