Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. – not an illness, disorder or disease. People who are autistic communicate and interact differently with the world. Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. Autistic people are different from each other, but for a diagnosis they must share differences from non-autistic people in how they think, feel and communicate. Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects everyone differently.
Asperger syndrome’ (often shortened to Asperger’s) is no longer used as a diagnostic term for autism and is considered controversial due to the history of Hans Asperger.
Being autistic means you may feel things and react to them differently to non-autistic people. You may find socialising confusing or tiring, and you may become overwhelmed in loud or busy places. You may have intense interests, prefer order and routine, and use repeated movements or actions to calm yourself or express joy. You might mask your discomfort to fit in, which can lead to mental illness.
