Understanding
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Autism Spectrum Conditions affect how people communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. Each person's experience is unique, and whilst some autistic people live independently, others may need additional support to navigate daily life, relationships, and work environments.
Understanding
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Autism Spectrum Conditions affect how people communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. Each person's experience is unique, and whilst some autistic people live independently, others may need additional support to navigate daily life, relationships, and work environments.
Understanding
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Autism Spectrum Conditions affect how people communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. Each person's experience is unique, and whilst some autistic people live independently, others may need additional support to navigate daily life, relationships, and work environments.
What does Autism Spectrum Conditions feel like?
Living with autism can feel like experiencing the world differently from those around you. Social interactions might feel confusing or exhausting, with unspoken rules that seem obvious to others but remain mysterious to you. Sensory experiences can be overwhelming - certain sounds, textures, or lighting might feel unbearable whilst others bring comfort.
Many autistic people describe feeling like they're constantly trying to fit into a world designed for neurotypical people, leading to masking behaviours that can be mentally draining. Changes to routine or unexpected events can cause significant distress, and processing emotions or understanding your own needs may require extra time and support.
Common Symptoms
Difficulties with social communication and interaction
Repetitive behaviours or intense focused interests
Sensory sensitivities or seeking certain sensory experiences
Preference for routine and difficulty with changes
Challenges understanding non-verbal communication
Differences in eye contact and social reciprocity
Literal interpretation of language and difficulty with sarcasm
Executive functioning challenges with planning and organisation
What does Autism Spectrum Conditions feel like?
Living with autism can feel like experiencing the world differently from those around you. Social interactions might feel confusing or exhausting, with unspoken rules that seem obvious to others but remain mysterious to you. Sensory experiences can be overwhelming - certain sounds, textures, or lighting might feel unbearable whilst others bring comfort.
Many autistic people describe feeling like they're constantly trying to fit into a world designed for neurotypical people, leading to masking behaviours that can be mentally draining. Changes to routine or unexpected events can cause significant distress, and processing emotions or understanding your own needs may require extra time and support.
Common Symptoms
Difficulties with social communication and interaction
Repetitive behaviours or intense focused interests
Sensory sensitivities or seeking certain sensory experiences
Preference for routine and difficulty with changes
Challenges understanding non-verbal communication
Differences in eye contact and social reciprocity
Literal interpretation of language and difficulty with sarcasm
Executive functioning challenges with planning and organisation
What does Autism Spectrum Conditions feel like?
Living with autism can feel like experiencing the world differently from those around you. Social interactions might feel confusing or exhausting, with unspoken rules that seem obvious to others but remain mysterious to you. Sensory experiences can be overwhelming - certain sounds, textures, or lighting might feel unbearable whilst others bring comfort.
Many autistic people describe feeling like they're constantly trying to fit into a world designed for neurotypical people, leading to masking behaviours that can be mentally draining. Changes to routine or unexpected events can cause significant distress, and processing emotions or understanding your own needs may require extra time and support.
Common Symptoms
Difficulties with social communication and interaction
Repetitive behaviours or intense focused interests
Sensory sensitivities or seeking certain sensory experiences
Preference for routine and difficulty with changes
Challenges understanding non-verbal communication
Differences in eye contact and social reciprocity
Literal interpretation of language and difficulty with sarcasm
Executive functioning challenges with planning and organisation
History of Autism Spectrum Conditions
Understanding autism has evolved from early clinical observations to recognising the broad spectrum of autistic experiences and strengths.
1940s
Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger independently described autism characteristics, though Asperger's work remained largely unknown until decades later due to World War II.
1980s
Autism was first included in diagnostic manuals as a distinct condition, moving away from earlier misunderstandings that blamed parenting styles for autistic behaviours.
1990s
The concept of an autism "spectrum" emerged, recognising the wide variation in abilities and challenges, leading to more nuanced understanding and diagnosis criteria.
Present
Modern understanding embraces neurodiversity, recognising autism as a neurological difference rather than solely a disorder, with growing focus on supporting autistic people's strengths whilst addressing genuine challenges.
History of Autism Spectrum Conditions
Understanding autism has evolved from early clinical observations to recognising the broad spectrum of autistic experiences and strengths.
1940s
Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger independently described autism characteristics, though Asperger's work remained largely unknown until decades later due to World War II.
1980s
Autism was first included in diagnostic manuals as a distinct condition, moving away from earlier misunderstandings that blamed parenting styles for autistic behaviours.
1990s
The concept of an autism "spectrum" emerged, recognising the wide variation in abilities and challenges, leading to more nuanced understanding and diagnosis criteria.
Present
Modern understanding embraces neurodiversity, recognising autism as a neurological difference rather than solely a disorder, with growing focus on supporting autistic people's strengths whilst addressing genuine challenges.
History of Autism Spectrum Conditions
Understanding autism has evolved from early clinical observations to recognising the broad spectrum of autistic experiences and strengths.
1940s
Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger independently described autism characteristics, though Asperger's work remained largely unknown until decades later due to World War II.
1980s
Autism was first included in diagnostic manuals as a distinct condition, moving away from earlier misunderstandings that blamed parenting styles for autistic behaviours.
1990s
The concept of an autism "spectrum" emerged, recognising the wide variation in abilities and challenges, leading to more nuanced understanding and diagnosis criteria.
Present
Modern understanding embraces neurodiversity, recognising autism as a neurological difference rather than solely a disorder, with growing focus on supporting autistic people's strengths whilst addressing genuine challenges.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for autistic people focuses on building practical life skills, developing coping strategies for sensory and social challenges, and supporting mental health. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), social skills training, and cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for autistic thinking styles can be helpful.
Many autistic people also benefit from occupational therapy for sensory needs, speech and language therapy for communication, and counselling to address anxiety, depression, or trauma. The most effective approaches respect autistic ways of being whilst providing tools to navigate a neurotypical world.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop social communication skills and relationship strategies
Learn sensory regulation and coping techniques
Build executive functioning and organisational skills
Address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety
Develop self-advocacy and self-awareness abilities
Create personalised routines and transition strategies
Process experiences of masking and autistic identity
Build confidence and resilience in navigating daily challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about autism spectrum conditions and therapeutic support options
Can autism be diagnosed in adults, even if it wasn't identified in childhood?
Is autism caused by vaccines or parenting styles?
Do all autistic people need therapy or intervention?
Can therapy help with autism, or is it a lifelong condition?
How therapy can help
Therapy for autistic people focuses on building practical life skills, developing coping strategies for sensory and social challenges, and supporting mental health. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), social skills training, and cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for autistic thinking styles can be helpful.
Many autistic people also benefit from occupational therapy for sensory needs, speech and language therapy for communication, and counselling to address anxiety, depression, or trauma. The most effective approaches respect autistic ways of being whilst providing tools to navigate a neurotypical world.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop social communication skills and relationship strategies
Learn sensory regulation and coping techniques
Build executive functioning and organisational skills
Address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety
Develop self-advocacy and self-awareness abilities
Create personalised routines and transition strategies
Process experiences of masking and autistic identity
Build confidence and resilience in navigating daily challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about autism spectrum conditions and therapeutic support options
Can autism be diagnosed in adults, even if it wasn't identified in childhood?
Is autism caused by vaccines or parenting styles?
Do all autistic people need therapy or intervention?
Can therapy help with autism, or is it a lifelong condition?
How therapy can help
Therapy for autistic people focuses on building practical life skills, developing coping strategies for sensory and social challenges, and supporting mental health. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), social skills training, and cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for autistic thinking styles can be helpful.
Many autistic people also benefit from occupational therapy for sensory needs, speech and language therapy for communication, and counselling to address anxiety, depression, or trauma. The most effective approaches respect autistic ways of being whilst providing tools to navigate a neurotypical world.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop social communication skills and relationship strategies
Learn sensory regulation and coping techniques
Build executive functioning and organisational skills
Address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety
Develop self-advocacy and self-awareness abilities
Create personalised routines and transition strategies
Process experiences of masking and autistic identity
Build confidence and resilience in navigating daily challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about autism spectrum conditions and therapeutic support options
Can autism be diagnosed in adults, even if it wasn't identified in childhood?
Is autism caused by vaccines or parenting styles?
Do all autistic people need therapy or intervention?
Can therapy help with autism, or is it a lifelong condition?
