An Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a developmental condition which affects those concerned in different ways. Although they share similarities, how autism affects them is particular to the individual. Being on the spectrum means that everyone's experience of autism is unique to each person.
People who have a diagnosis of autism or Asperger's Syndrome (on the autistic spectrum and have average or above average intelligence), can find it harder to make sense of the world.
Understanding others and the social rules (which most people learn by instinct) is problematic and so they find communication, relating to others, family life and social situations more difficult.
Some people who are autistic also have learning needs and so require different levels of help.
Many people who are autistic also have difficulties with sensitivities to touch, smell, sounds, taste and lights or colours. Their experience can be high or low sensitivity.
Importantly, people who are autistic do not 'look' as if they have a disability; autism is often called the invisible disability.
For more information, why not visit the National Autistic Society website?
​
​
Useful Documents:
​
Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3 SEN)
​
​
Cumbria SEND Handbook and Criteria
​
Disability In Schools and Reasonable Adjustments (NAS)
​
Employing people: workplace adjustments (Equality & Human Rights Commission)