What is Autism?
The term Autism Spectrum is used for a range of conditions that impact on an individual. The word ‘spectrum’ is used because of the range of ways in which people can experience autism.
As the Scottish Strategy for Autism states: ‘It is important to explain the choice of language and terminology used (…) because the complex nature of autism spectrum gives rise to a range of personal and professional perspectives. Although this means that it is not easy to find a common language that reflects the views of the various groups, what we have tried to do is reflect the diversity of the community in a positive way’ (Scottish Strategy for Autism, page 9).
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition. People with autism tend to have a wide range of skill sets including different strengths and difficulties, however autism is characterised by a triad of impairments and people typically find challenges with:
social interaction
social imagination
communication
People with autism also tend to share common traits such as sensory sensitivity, repetitive and stereotyped behaviours and special interests. Autism can also be associated with physical difficulties and it is recognised that there can be a vulnerability to mental health and wellbeing. Some people with autism may also have learning difficulties like dyslexia and other conditions like dyspraxia or epilepsy. Others will have autism without any of these associated difficulties, but if one does have any of them, it might be helpful to describe them to support their case when trying to obtain a formal diagnosis.
Although people share common difficulties due to their autism, the way that this affects their life can vary greatly from person to person. Peter Vermeulen, in his book ‘Autistic thinking: this is the title’ (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2001) writes about the strengths of people with autism. Autism can create a wide range of barriers in everyday life and these can impact upon an individual to varying degrees. Whilst some people are able to live relatively independent lives, others will require more intensive support throughout their lifetime. The daily level of support an individual requires may be further impacted by additional learning needs in addition to their autism.
As autism is a lifelong condition impact will be likely to change throughout the person’s lifetime, and in relation to the support they are accessing. It is important to remember that the autism spectrum is not a linear condition with ‘high functioning’ and ‘low functioning’ ends, but rather a condition in which there are also impacts from the environment and sometimes from the stresses of daily life.
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
The first accounts of clinicians and researchers writing about Asperger’s syndrome (AS) date back to the early forties of the 20th century when Austrian Pediatrician Hans Asperger, described a group of children whose observed traits eventually came to be named after him. Typically people with AS have average or above average IQ. There are, however, associated difficulties with social communication, interaction and imagination, which can create barriers in everyday life.
These difficulties can have a significant impact on quality of life. As such difficulties can make it difficult for the individual to understand social norms and shared understanding. The invisible nature of autism can also significantly increase misunderstandings and difficulties to functioning in everyday life.
How common is autism?
Autism is a lifelong condition, which is currently understood to be three to four times more common in men than women. Although anecdotally, autism is less-recognised in women by professionals, recent studies may lead to increased realisation and recognition of occurrence in females.
It is currently suggested that an incidence rate of around 1 in 88 is the best estimate across the population at large. Scottish reports state that almost every school in Scotland will have at least one child with autism; this would mean that there are around 6,900 pupils with autism in Scotland. No prevalence studies have ever been carried out on adults thus far. Therefore, the figure for the whole population is a very rough guide. It is estimated that over 50,000 people in Scotland have autism - 35,000 of these individuals being adults.
For example, people with autism may:
For example, people with autism may:
For example, people with autism may:
For example, people with autism may:
For example, people with autism may:
Anxiety is known to be common in people with autism: this may lead to mental health and well being issues, for example, people with autism may:
For example, people with autism may demonstrate: