Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)

Having Autism means that the person has a different way of understanding and relating to other people and the world around them. 

Here are some of the things you typically see, in various combinations and from mild to severe, in people who have autism:

1.Differences with communication

• Taking what people say literally (thinking people mean exactly what they say)
• Not understanding jokes or sarcasm
• Preferring facts and logic
• Finding it hard to understand facial expressions, tone of voice and gestures.
• Only feeling comfortable when talking about topics they are interested in
• Repetitive in what they say

2. Differences with interaction and socialising with other people

• Not wanting to make eye contact
• Feeling awkward and not knowing what to say or do in social situations
• Difficulties making and keeping friends and other relationships
• Difficulty with seeing things from other people’s point of view

3.Repetitive and restricted behaviour and interests

• Having special interests that they invest their time and energy into
• Becoming very knowledgeable about a specific topic and spending a lot of time involved in the topic
• Not coping well with change and preferring the same routine
• Repetitive body movements

4. Sensory Differences

People with autism may be over sensitive to sounds, smells, touch, pain or light, finding these things uncomfortable, frightening or painful. Or, being under sensitive to some of these things.

All of these differences can make everyday life challenging.

• Often people can feel worried and stressed by everyday activities such as going to school, meeting people and trying new things.
• Difficulties with social communication and interaction and the differences in their interests, strengths and talents can make them feel left out and misunderstood by other people, which can lead to problems with low mood and low self- esteem