Understanding Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a way some people's brains work differently. It affects how they:
- Talk and connect with other people.
- Play and do activities.
- Have differences in routines and have strong interests.
- Feel things through their senses (like sounds, lights, or touch)
The full name for autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Different brains, different people
Everyone’s brain works in its own way. This is called neurodiversity.
- Most people have a neurotypical brain (this means their brain works in a way that is common).
- People whose brains work differently are called neurodivergent.
- Autism is one type of neurodivergence. Other types include:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
- Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder).
- Developmental Language Disorder.
This list is not complete and there are many more diagnoses that also come under neurodiversity. You can learn more about autism and neurodiversity from the National Autistic Society.
Words and labels
You might hear people say things like:
- “Asperger’s Syndrome.”
- “Mild” or “severe” autism.
These words are not used by our service.
We give a diagnosis of autism using international guidelines. Then we describe:
- What the child or young person is good at.
- What support they might need.
Every person with autism is unique. They have their own strengths and challenges. It’s important to see the person first, not just the diagnosis.
Gender and autism
In the past, autism was more commonly recognised in boys and men.
But autism can look different in girls and women. This is because:
- They might try to hide their feelings or behaviours to fit in.
- They may learn ways to cover up their sensory differences (like being sensitive to noise or touch).
The tests used to find autism were often better at spotting signs in boys. This means some girls and women were missed.
But it’s not just girls – boys and young men can also hide their autistic traits.
What our team does
Our team looks carefully at each child or young person.
We make sure everyone gets a full assessment, no matter how their autism presents.
Why a diagnosis can help
Getting a diagnosis can help autistic people:
- Understand themselves better
- Get support from others
- Find autism-specific help and services
Autism and the law
Some autistic people may need extra help. Because of this, autism is seen as a disability under UK law (Equality Act 2010). This means autistic people have the right to:
- Support at school, work, and in the community
- Adjustments to help them feel safe and included
Co existing needs and diagnoses
Research tells us that there are some diagnoses which are more likely to be seen in autistic people at the same time and we will consider any further referrals or support a child or young person may need. These can include:
- Connective issue differences / hypermobility.
- Deafness.
- Differences in coordination.
- Epilepsy.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Learning disability.
- Mental health needs.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Speech and language differences.
Where to get help
Organisations that support autistic children and young people:
- National Autistic Society (NAS): easy-read guides and videos about autism.
- Autism Support Service Directory: a list of services in Birmingham and Solihull.
- Autism West Midlands: supports autistic people and families in the West Midlands.
- Contact: helps families with disabled children.
- Resources for Autism : gives practical help to autistic children, adults, and families.