Autism describes a specific pattern of strengths and difficulties that affects more than 1 in 100 people. Individuals with autism have many strengths. For example, they have a unique view of the world, are often very honest and good at noticing details.

People with autism particularly struggle with social communication and interaction.

They might find it hard to use or understand e.g. facial expressions, body language or jokes and to make sense of other people’s thoughts and feelings.

They might find it hard to understand unwritten social rules and to know how to make friends. People with autism often also struggle to respond to changes in routine and to cope in unfamiliar situations. They are often over- or under-sensitive to e.g. sounds, smells or light.

Autism is not a mental health condition. However, we do know that autistic people are more likely to develop mental health problems. There can be many reasons for this. Their different processing of the world may sometimes become overwhelming for them. Noticing that they are different might cause difficult feelings, too. They might show how they feel through what they say or do. If coping with these feelings becomes particularly difficult for an individual with autism and their family, they might need some professional support.

What can we do to help?

With the right support and intervention, people with Autism can lead normal lives. From an initial consultation the main treatments options can entail:

• Individual therapy– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and developing Social Stories. This is able to target a young person’s social skills with peers and family, self control, listening skills, problem solving, expressing and managing feelings.
• Parent support–  We aim to help parents and carers understand and manage their child’s diagnosis and creating organisational skills to help reduce symptoms of anxiety or low mood.
• Education consultations– We are able to help support and advise the school on how best to support the young person and make adaptations to their environment if required.
• Additional assessment to aid diagnosis-We are unable to give a diagnosis of Autism as this is usually completed by a paediatrician and specialists. However we are able to support and provide evidence for the diagnosis process. It is important to rule out other conditions that can look like ASC. Assessments often involve developmental history, observations, standardised questionnaires, speech and language and occupational therapy.