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We Are Autistic | NHS
Understanding Autism
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, meaning that while all autistic people share certain difficulties, autism will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives, while others may need a lifetime of specialist support.
Signs and Diagnosis
Autism can be diagnosed at any age, but it is commonly identified in early childhood. Key signs include difficulties with social interactions, communication challenges, and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. Diagnosis is typically performed by a team of health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and speech therapists, who can assess the child’s behavior and development.
Support and Services
The NHS provides a range of support services for individuals with autism and their families. This includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized educational support. Early intervention is crucial, and parents are encouraged to seek help as soon as they notice any signs of autism in their child.
Living with Autism
Living with autism presents unique challenges, but with the right support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. The NHS offers various resources to help improve the quality of life for autistic people. This includes access to support groups, counselling services, and personalized care plans tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
Autism is a lifelong condition, but with the right support and understanding, autistic individuals can thrive. The NHS is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for autistic people and their families, ensuring they have the tools they need to navigate their journey with autism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. It is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects people in different ways and to varying degrees.
How common is autism?
Autism is a relatively common condition. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic.
What are the signs of autism?
Signs of autism can include difficulties with communication and social interaction, repetitive behaviours, and a strong preference for routines. Each autistic person is different, and the signs can vary widely.
At what age is autism usually diagnosed?
Autism can be diagnosed at any age, but it is often identified in early childhood. Some people may not be diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.
How is autism diagnosed?
Autism is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a specialist team. This may include developmental history, observation, and various diagnostic tools.
Can autism be cured?
There is no cure for autism. However, with the right support and interventions, many autistic people can lead fulfilling and independent lives.
What support is available for autistic people?
Support for autistic people can include educational accommodations, social skills training, therapy, and assistance with employment. Support needs are tailored to the individual.
Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
Yes, adults can be diagnosed with autism. Some people may not realise they are autistic until later in life and seek an assessment as adults.
Is there a link between autism and vaccines?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support a link between autism and vaccines. This has been thoroughly researched and debunked.
What causes autism?
The exact cause of autism is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
How can I support an autistic friend or family member?
Understanding, patience, and acceptance are key. Learn about autism, ask how you can support them, and respect their needs and preferences.
What are some common misconceptions about autism?
Common misconceptions include the idea that all autistic people are savants, that they lack empathy, or that they cannot lead independent lives. These stereotypes are not true for all autistic individuals.
Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes that can help with autism?
There is no specific diet or lifestyle change that has been proven to treat autism. However, a healthy lifestyle can support overall well-being.
How can autism affect daily life?
Autism can affect daily life in various ways, including challenges with social interactions, communication, and sensory sensitivities. Supportive environments and strategies can help manage these challenges.
Where can I find more information about autism?
You can find more information about autism from reputable sources such as the NHS website, autism charities, and support organisations.
Useful Links
Useful links from: NHS-led Provider Collaboratives: improving mental health, learning disability and autism services
- NHS England - Provider Collaboratives Official NHS England page on provider collaboratives aimed at improving mental health, learning disability, and autism services. It includes guidance, resources, and updates on policy and practice.
- Rethink Mental Illness Rethink Mental Illness is a UK-based charity that offers information, services, and support for people affected by mental illness. Their site includes resources on mental health, learning disabilities, and autism.
- Mind - Mental Health Support Mind is a mental health charity in the UK providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They offer extensive resources on mental health, including those related to learning disabilities and autism.
- National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society is the leading UK charity for autistic people (including those with Asperger syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support, and services dedicated to the needs of the autism community.
Useful links from: The Benefits of Family Activities
- NHS - Benefits of Exercise This NHS page outlines the mental and physical health benefits of regular exercise, including ideas for family activities.
- Family Lives - Advice & Support for Families Family Lives is a UK-based charity that provides support and advice on family wellbeing, including the importance of spending time together as a family.
- NHS - Mental Wellbeing While Staying at Home Offers tips on how to maintain mental wellbeing while staying at home, including suggestions for family activities to keep everyone engaged and connected.
- Action for Children - Parenting Advice Action for Children, a UK charity, provides advice on family activities and bonding, emphasizing the benefits of spending quality time together.
Useful links from: Mental Health Support Resources for Families
- NHS - Mental Health Support for Families Provides information on mental health helplines and resources available through the NHS for various mental health issues including support for families.
- Mind - Mental Health Support Mind offers advice and support for friends and family of people experiencing mental health problems, including guidance on how to cope and support others effectively.
- Rethink Mental Illness - Support for Carers Rethink Mental Illness provides resources, information, and local support groups for carers and families of people living with mental illness.
- YoungMinds - Parents Helpline YoungMinds offers a helpline and resources for parents worried about their child’s mental health, providing advice and support tailored for families.
Useful links from: Mental Health Support for Families: Resources and Strategies
- NHS - Mental Health Support NHS offers a variety of mental health helplines for immediate support, ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, to specific conditions. Useful for families seeking direct professional guidance.
- Mind - For Better Mental Health Mind provides comprehensive information and support for mental health issues. Their resources include guides on mental health conditions, practical tips for self-care, and advice for families supporting loved ones.
- YoungMinds - Parents Helpline YoungMinds offers a dedicated Parents Helpline to support parents and carers worried about a child's mental health. Additional resources include advice on common issues and strategies to help young people.
- Rethink Mental Illness - Advice and Information Rethink Mental Illness provides a Carers Hub with resources and advice specifically for those supporting individuals with mental health conditions, including coping strategies and access to local support groups.
Useful links from: Current Challenges in Youth Mental Health Services
- NHS - Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) Overview of mental health services provided by the NHS for children and young people, including support, treatment, and how to access services.
- Mind - Young People and Mental Health Information and support for young people experiencing mental health problems, provided by the charity Mind.
- YoungMinds UK charity focused specifically on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, offering resources, support, and advocacy.
- The Mix UK-based organization providing support and advice on mental health for young people under 25, including one-to-one chats and crisis helplines.
Useful links from: Mental Health Support for Families - Latest Resources and Guidance
- NHS - Mental health support for family and friends Information and advice from the NHS on how to support family and friends dealing with mental health issues.
- Mind - Support for family and friends Guidance and resources from Mind, a leading UK mental health charity, on how to help a loved one with their mental health and maintain your own during challenging times.
- Rethink Mental Illness - Support for carers Resources and information for those caring for someone with a mental illness, provided by Rethink Mental Illness, a UK-based mental health charity.
- YoungMinds - Parents' Helpline and Resources Support and advice for parents and guardians concerned about the mental health of their children, provided by YoungMinds, a UK charity dedicated to children's mental health.
Useful links from: Navigating Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents
- NHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Information about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provided by the NHS, including how to access services, types of services available, and what to expect.
- YoungMinds YoungMinds is a UK-based charity providing information and support for young people and their parents regarding mental health. They offer resources, advice, and a parent helpline.
- MindEd MindEd is an educational resource for adults working with children and young people. It offers free e-learning to help parents and professionals support the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.
- Place2Be Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling and mental health support and training in UK schools, helping to build children’s resilience and long-term wellbeing.
Useful links from: Autism: Graeme's story | NHS
- NHS - Autism Information on autism, including diagnosis, symptoms, management, and support services available through the NHS.
- National Autistic Society The leading UK charity for autistic people and their families, providing support, information, and guidance on autism.
- Autistica UK charity that funds and campaigns for research to understand the causes of autism, improve diagnosis and find new treatments.
- Ambitious about Autism A UK charity for children and young people with autism, offering services, resources, and support to help them achieve their potential.
Useful links from: Autism - My Story - Rosalind | NHS
- NHS - Autism Comprehensive resource for understanding autism, including symptoms, diagnosis, and available support.
- National Autistic Society UK charity providing information, support, and pioneering services for autistic people and their families.
- Autistica - Autism Research Charity Charity focused on autism research to understand causes, improve diagnosis, and develop evidence-based interventions.
- Ambitious about Autism UK-registered charity offering services and advocating for autistic children and young people.
Useful links from: Autism - My Story - Adrian | NHS
- NHS - Autism Comprehensive information from the NHS about Autism, including symptoms, diagnosis, and support.
- The National Autistic Society The leading UK charity for autistic people, providing information, support, and pioneering services.
- Autistica UK's national autism research charity, focused on improving the lives of autistic people through research.
- Scottish Autism Scotland's leading provider of autism-specific services with a mission to enable individuals to lead meaningful lives.
Useful links from: Autism Assessment - What Happens in Your Appointment
- NHS - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Official NHS page providing information on the process of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including what to expect during the assessment and who will be involved.
- National Autistic Society - Autism diagnosis for adults The National Autistic Society's guide to the autism diagnosis process for adults, including what happens during the appointment and the possible outcomes.
- Ambitious about Autism - Getting a diagnosis Ambitious about Autism offers detailed information on getting an autism diagnosis, what the assessment entails, and next steps following diagnosis.
- The National Autistic Society - Autism diagnosis for children Information from The National Autistic Society on the autism diagnosis process for children, including what happens during the assessment and how to prepare for the appointment.
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- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
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- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
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- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
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