Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it covers a range of disabilities which affect each individual differently. It is a life-long, developmental disability which affects the way people see, hear and feel the world around them. Autism affects around 1 in 100 people, more often diagnosed in men than women.
Autism has many names, but is most commonly diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is often diagnosed alongside other conditions, such as learning disabilities and mental health issues, some of which are outlined below:
• ADHD
• Hearing impairments
• Downs syndrome
• Dyspraxia
• Epilepsy
• Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS)
• Fragile X syndrome
• Social Communication Disorder
• Visual impairment