About Autism

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. This means it originates in brain development, is typically present from birth (inborn), and affects how a person experiences the world, interacts with others, communicates, and behaves.

It is called a ‘spectrum’ because it affects every individual differently and to varying degrees. There is a wide range of strengths, challenges, and support needs among autistic people. As the presentation wisely notes, not every disability is visible. Autism is a perfect example of this.

Core Characteristics of Autism

• Social Communication: Difficulty with both verbal and non-verbal communication, such as understanding gestures, facial expressions, or sarcasm.
• Social Interaction: Challenges in understanding and forming social relationships, sharing experiences, and understanding social cues and unspoken rules.
• Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors: A preference for sameness and routine, engaging in repetitive movements (like hand-flapping), and having intense, focused interests in specific subjects.

Key Facts About Autism:

• It is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a mental illness or a
• Signs are usually noticeable in the first three years of
• It is a lifelong condition, though skills can be developed and support can help individuals thrive.
• It often co-occurs with Sensory Processing Disorder, where individuals may be over- or under-sensitive to sounds, sights, smells, tastes, or touch.

Understanding the Spectrum: Levels of Support

• Level 1: Requiring Support – noticeable social communication challenges, language skills often strong but difficulties initiating interactions, coping with change, and repetitive behaviors may interfere.
• Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support – significant challenges in communication and limited social interactions; repetitive behaviors frequent and interfere with life.
• Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support – severe challenges in communication and social interaction; very limited speech, extreme difficulty with change, and behaviors that severely impair daily life.

What Autism is NOT:

• A disease that can be ‘cured.’
• Caused by bad parenting or social
• An intellectual disability (though they can co-occur).
• A psychosocial or mental