Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to those around them. Over 500,000 people in the UK are affected by autism spectrum disorders. The term 'autism spectrum disorder' or 'ASD' is often used because the disability varies: some people e.g. with classic autism, may have accompanying learning disabilities or little speech whilst others e.g. with Asperger syndrome, may have an average or above average intelligence and be able to work and live independently. Autism is often described as a 'hidden' disability because people with the condition don't look any different from anyone else, so it can be much harder to create awareness and understanding of the condition.

Despite wide-ranging differences, everyone with autism has problems with social interaction, social communication and imagination.

Early signs

Parents are astute judges of their child's development and most often it is they who first notice the signs. Some parents say they 'always knew there was something different' about their child. Others may start noticing signs around 18 months and in some cases a child may seem to be developing quite normally and then suddenly appear to start losing skills that he or she has acquired.

Children with autism can exhibit a wide range of behaviours:

• They may not socialise and play with other children and will instead appear rude, disruptive or indifferent.
• The child may take little interest in creative or imaginative play, instead preferring to repeat the same activity again and again, e.g. lining up toys
• He/she may have an obsessive interest in a particular subject or toy.
• He/she may become particularly upset if routines are altered - for example, if mum varies the route to the shops.
• They may have difficulty understanding gestures and making appropriate eye contact.
• The child may have difficulty understanding subtle language. For example, words can be taken literally and a comment such as 'crying your eyes out' may cause distress.
Other signs include a lack of awareness of danger, hypersensitivity to sound, light, etc., spinning objects and hand flapping.

Getting a diagnosis?

ASDs can normally be diagnosed at around the age of two years. However, as autism is not a 'visible' disability and is very complex, it can sometimes go undetected for some time. In many instances professionals e.g. health visitors, may spot the telltale signs. If parents suspect there is something wrong they should approach their GP who can refer them to a consultant or diagnostic team with a good understanding of the condition.

Living with autism

As soon as we meet a person we make judgements about them - just by the expression on their face or their tone of voice we can tell immediately if they are happy, angry or stressed, and respond accordingly. However, people with autism find it difficult to read these kinds of signals, so it is harder for them to make friends and maintain social relationships with people. Some people with autism can also appear aloof and indifferent to others.

Some people with autism have very limited language skills. Others may have fewer problems with language and speak fluently, though their words can sound formal, over-precise or stilted. They may not understand jokes or turns of phrase e.g. a statement like 'she bit my head off' may cause confusion. Some people with autism may not take much notice of the reaction of the person listening to them - they may talk on and on regardless of the listener's interest and they may appear insensitive to their feelings.

In terms of imagination, whilst some people with autism often excel at learning facts and figures, they can find it hard to think in abstract ways e.g. the concepts of the past, present & future. People with autism often develop an almost obsessive interest in a hobby e.g. memorising facts about a special subject such as a historical period or dimensions of cathedrals. Some interests can be developed so that a person with autism can go on to study or work in their favourite subject e.g. computing.

People with autism can often find change upsetting too. They will often prefer to order their day according to a set pattern, so if they work set hours then any unexpected delay, such as a traffic hold-up, can make them anxious or upset.

But because every person is an individual, these characteristics will vary greatly and some may be demonstrated more strongly than others.

Support from The National Autistic Society

Founded in 1962, The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK's foremost organisation for people with ASDs and those who care for them. The Society provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

These include:

• Six schools for children with s, and seventeen adult centres
• Earlybird (parent programme for those with recently diagnosed pre-school children)
• Prospects (employment consultancy for adults with Asperger syndrome)
• Befriending (volunteers spend a few hours a week supporting a family or individual)
• Parent to Parent (telephone support service run by parents)
• Advocacy for Education Service (offers general advice on special educational needs entitlements and help in preparing cases for parents going to Tribunal)

During Autism Awareness Week we will be publishing research into the difficulties people with autism spectrum disorders and their families face in accessing their rights and entitlements. To order a copy of the Autism Awareness Week report please contact Ann Fernandez on 020 7903 3581 or afernandez@nas.org.uk

For further information on autism and the NAS:
Autism Helpline, for parents and carers, open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Call 0870 600 85 85. Website: www.nas.org.uk.

The images reproduced in this article have been supplied courtesy of the NAS