Understanding Autism and Getting Support
Autism is a type of neurodivergence that affects how people experience the world. Find out more about autism and the support available in this blog.
What is Autism?
The National Autistic Society tells us that there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
They define autism as a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. This means it affects how people experience and interact with the world.
Autism is a spectrum, meaning it affects people in many different ways.
What is neurodiversity?
You might also hear the term neurodiversity. This is a way of saying that everyone’s brain is different.
Neurodivergence is used to describe conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and some mental health conditions.
What are some characteristics of Autism?
Autism can show up in different ways for different people. Here are a few examples:
Sensory Processing – Some autistic people might be very sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, or how things feel. Others might be less sensitive. Think of it like a volume control for your senses. For some people with Autism, it’s turned way up, and for others, it’s turned down. They may also have differences in internal sensations, like hunger or how they understand where their body is in the space.
Behaviours and Interests – Some autistic people have very strong interests in specific topics. They might also like routines and find comfort in doing things the same way each time. Some may also have repeated movements or behaviours.
Communication – Understanding body language and facial expressions can be tricky for some autistic people. This can make conversations and social situations challenging.
How can Autism affect daily life?
Autism can affect people in a few different ways, particularly when it comes to social interactions and mental wellbeing.
Sometimes, it’s hard for autistic people to understand social cues or the unwritten rules of social situations. This can lead to feelings of isolation and wanting to avoid social gatherings.
Autistic people are more likely to experience anxiety and stress. This can be triggered by sensory overload, changes in routine, or social interactions. Some autistic people might try to “mask” how they feel to fit in, which can be exhausting.
It’s important to remember that many of the challenges autistic people face are due to a society that isn’t always designed to meet their needs. This is called the social model of disability. While some autistic people need support, many manage perfectly well on their own.
How is Autism diagnosed?
It’s important to know that autism can present in many different ways, and not everyone is diagnosed in childhood.
With increased awareness, many adults are now recognising autistic traits within themselves. This often happens after encountering information about autism online, through social media, or from hearing the experiences of other autistic people.
While self-recognition can be a powerful first step, seeking a professional diagnosis can provide further clarity and access to support.
Getting support and more information
There are some things that you can do to support yourself with the characteristics of autism, whether you have it or not.
If you would like further information on autism or would like to find out about support available, you can speak to a trusted adult, your GP or the local Integrated Autism Service. Organisations such as the National Autistic Society and Neurodivergence Wales may be able to offer support and resources specific to Autism.
If you’re not sure whether you have autism or not, you could try talking to your doctor. But we understand that this can be overwhelming or scary for some people. If you want to talk to someone to help you understand your options, contact Meic.
Meic is a confidential and anonymous service for children and young people in Wales. You can access support from 8 am to midnight every day, in both English and Welsh. Meic is someone on your side.
