Autism and neurodiversity

• Autism is a lifelong difference in how the brain works.
• It changes how people see the world, talk, and interact with others.
• Autism affects people in different ways.
• People need different levels of support.

Common signs

• Finding social communication hard.
• Doing things the same way many times (repetitive behaviours).
• Having strong interests.
• Finding change difficult.

Sensory differences

• Many autistic people experience sounds, lights, or touch differently.
• These can feel too strong or distracting.
• Some people look for certain sensations to feel calm.

Tip: Quiet spaces, dim lights, and clear routines can help.

Strengths

Autism can bring many strengths, including:

• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Honesty
• Deep knowledge in specific areas

Communication and speech

• About 1 in 4 autistic people speak few or no words.
• Some stop speaking when stressed.
• People communicate in many ways: speech, typing, sign language, pictures, or assistive technology.

Task avoidance

• Some autistic people avoid tasks or requests.
• This can happen because of anxiety or uncertainty.

Masking

• Some people hide their struggles in public.
• They copy social rules or act differently to fit in.
• Masking can be very tiring.

More information

If you'd like to learn more about autism, you can find helpful information on the Autistica website.