What is Autism?

Autism affects approximately 1% of the population and is often misunderstood. It's essential to have a clear understanding of what autism is and what it is not. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that presents as a spectrum disorder, with each individual having their own unique presentation, including behaviours, struggles, interests, and communication.

To receive a diagnosis, two characteristics must be present: an impairment in social communication and interaction and rigid and repetitive behaviours. Additionally, challenges in sensory processing are often accompanied by these characteristics.

It's important to note that autism is not a behavioural disorder, a learning disability, or a psychiatric or mental health illness.

Autism: Understanding the Neurodevelopmental Condition

Autism is a spectrum

When we talk about the autism spectrum, it might seem like a line with opposite things at each end. At one end you have severe autism and at the other, you have mild autism. A person can sit anywhere on this line and that is their autistic profile for life.

But actually, the autism spectrum isn't like that. It's not a straight line.

The autism spectrum is about the different signs and traits that autistic people can have. It recognises that autism is complex and different for each person with it. Some things might stay the same, but there are always parts of the persons profile that can change based on where someone is or what's happening around them.

For instance, an autistic person who usually talks might be in a situation where they can't use words to communicate. It's also crucial not to only think about autism in terms of how smart someone is or how well they do daily tasks.

So, if the spectrum isn’t a straight line, what does it look like? Below are two examples of how the autistic spectrum should be thought of. In this diagram we have taken 5 autistic traits and scored 2 autistic people from 1 to 10 on how much they struggle with that trait. The further towards the middle a trait is plotted, the more they struggle with it. For example, Person A struggles with sensory processing a lot more than person B. Both people’s spectrums look completely different.

Person A autistic profile

Person B autistic profile

Person B autistic profile on a day they are really tired

Take person B on a day when they are extremely tired. Their profile will change again as tiredness could affect their sensory processing or their executive function. Just like neurotypical people, neurodivergent people have days where they find everything a bit harder, and this changes their spectrum profile all over again. Usually, person B can cope with noise, but on a day they are tired it becomes painful and too much to cope with.

So, the autism spectrum isn't a simple line. It's more like a multi-dimensional idea that can change and be flexible to some extent.

Please note: these diagrams are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the full range of autistic traits.

Understanding the Autism Spectrum and Co-morbidities

The autism spectrum is vast, and the needs of every autistic individual are different. Co-morbidities are often present, making it crucial to look at each individual carefully rather than applying a standard set of rules.

While some people with autism have complex needs and require lifelong care, others live independently and have successful careers. Autism is a lifelong condition, and individuals with autism grow up to become adults with autism, with changes in their presentation throughout different life stages.

Autability profiles

At Autability, we have designed 5 profiles to offer relevant support to families with different needs. While these profiles are not expected to match exactly with every child's needs, we hope they can guide you to get the help and support you need.

Diagnosis of autism
Attends mainstream school
Average/high IQ
Sensory difficulties
Difficulties with social interaction and communication
Anxiety and mental health problems
Sleep problems
Needs routine
Toilet trained (may be slightly delayed)
Motor planning problems
Lack of danger awareness

Diagnosis autism and ADHD
Attends mainstreram school (with extra support if needed)
Average/high IQ
Sensory difficulties
Difficulties with social interaction and communication
Anxiety and mental health problems
Sleep problems
Needs routine
Toilet trained (may be slightly delayed)
Motor planning problems
Lack of danger awareness

Diagnosis of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Attends mainstream school with support or a specialist provision
Average/high IQ
Sensory difficulties
Difficulties with social interaction and communication
Anxiety and mental health problems
Sleep problems
Needs routine
Toilet trained (may be slightly delayed)
Lack of danger awareness

Diagnosis of autism, ADHD, dyselxia OR hyperlexia, dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder), complex sensory integration problems, sleep disorder
Attends specialist provision
Low/average/high IQ
Sensory difficulties
Difficulties with social interaction and communication
Anxiety and mental health problems
Needs routine
Late toilet training/partial incontinence
Lack of danger awareness
Diagnosed sleep disorder with hospital intervention and regular follow ups

A purple person outline with the number 2

A green person outline with the number 3

An orange person outline with the number 5

Diagnosis of autism, ADHD, sleep disorder, dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder), epilepsy, auto immune condition, Ehlos Danlos syndrome, Depression
Attends specialist provision
Intellectual disability (low IQ)
Sensory difficulties
Difficulties with social interaction and communication
Anxiety and mental health problems
Needs routine
Doubly incontinent for life
Lack of danger awareness
Diagnosed sleep disorder with hospital intervention and regular follow ups
Mental health illness
Physical disability and/or medical condition