What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD or autism, is a condition that individuals are born with, often with no clear cause. It is a spectrum, meaning not every individual with autism has the same severity and symptoms of the neurodivergent condition.
Signs of autism may not be recognised until the early years of childhood, and even then many adults may not recognise the signs of ASD and may only be diagnosed during adulthood.
For many, living with ASD does not prevent a good life. Some autistic individuals may need support - including therapies - to live an independent life, while other may need little to no support.
According to the UK's National Autistic Society, there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, with one in 100 people on the autism spectrum. A third of autistic people also have a learning disability, but to different degrees.


