23/10/2025
⭐lets talk about ⭐
The National Autistic Society describe autism as “a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world” (Autism.org.uk)
Autism is not a condition that one can have, but rather, it is an inherent part of an individual's identity. You are born autistic, and therefore, being autistic is who you are.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) “is the medical name for autism” (nhs.uk)
Asperger's (or Asperger syndrome) was a previously used term for Autistic people with “average or above average intelligence.” (NHS Sept 2022)
This term is no longer used as a diagnostic term. However, some people who have been diagnosed with it before, may still use this term.
“Autism is considered a spectrum because it’s different for every autistic person” (NHS inform Nov 2023) Meaning each person has different characteristics along with their own personal strengths and weaknesses, unique to them.
However, ‘on the spectrum’ has often been frivolously used to describe people who show characteristics of autism, such as social awkwardness.
Using this term as a casual slur can often lead to myths and misunderstandings about Autism.
T.V shows and other popular culture contribute to the casual use of this term. Shows like ‘The Big Bang Theory’ created characters who are “facetiously associated with autism” (mic.com 2016) where characteristics of Autism were seen as ‘quirks’ and comedy.
People who are Autistic might:
✨communicate and use language differently to most people
✨have a specific ways of doing things, and can find it difficult to do them differently
✨find is hard to understand how other people think or feel
✨Seek out or avoid certain sensations such as loud noises, specific textures or bright lights
✨Have Repetitive behaviours and patterns such as stimming, tapping, hand flapping, twirling hair. Some repetitive actions can help individuals feel calm such as taking the same route to work or school
✨Have “intense and highly focused interests” (National Autistic society 2023)
Many women, girls and non-binary people can struggle to receive a diagnosis or are misdiagnosed. “Some tools used to diagnose autism are designed to identify autistic characteristics that may be more common in autistic men and boys.” (National Autistic Society 2023)
Find out more:
National Autistic Society
www.autism.org.uk
Ambitious about Autis
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Autism Independent
www.autismuk.com
Autistica
www.autistica.org.uk
NHS UK
www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism
Autism Central - Resources
www.autismcentral.org.uk/resources
What aspects of Autism do you think we need to talk about more?
let us know in the comments 🙂
