What is Autism?
GGC - Meeting the needs of Autistic People
“Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world”.
"Autism is [not] a disorder… it [is] a neurological difference: one with a unique way of thinking and experiencing the world".
These quotes indicate the range of opinion which exists when seeking to define Autism or being Autistic. One firmly describes Autism as a deficit based disability whilst the other considers Autism as part of the broad range of neuro types (Neurodiversity) which exist in the world.
You may often hear the term “Autism Spectrum” which reflects the range of ways someone can experience being Autistic. It is different for everyone. Some people will require very little or no support with their day to day life whilst others may live in a supported environment. Many people will have levels of support somewhere in between and these needs may vary over time.