Autism is a natural variation in how people experience and interact with the world. Autistic people may experience and engage with communication, relationships, social experiences, sensory processing, routines, interests, movement, emotional regulation and information processing in different ways.
Our understanding of autism has changed significantly over recent decades. Much of what was once believed came from research that focused on relatively narrow groups of people and often concentrated on perceived deficits. Today, autistic people, researchers and advocates have helped build a broader, more balanced picture — one that includes strengths, differences, lived experience and the importance of environment.
If you are reading older books about autism, received autism training many years ago, or are relying on information based on past understandings of autism, it is important to recognise that knowledge and practice have evolved considerably. Some ideas that were once widely accepted are now debated, challenged or have been replaced by newer understandings informed by autistic people’s lived experience.
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Communication & relationships
Autistic people communicate, connect and build relationships in many different ways. Some use speech, some use little or no speech, and others may use alternative forms of communication.
Communication differences are often two-way. Autistic and non-autistic people may sometimes misunderstand one another simply because they experience and interpret the world differently.
Autistic people may also process information differently. Some people may prefer additional time to think, respond or adapt to change.
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Sensory processing
Many autistic people experience sensory processing differences. Sounds, lights, textures, smells, tastes, movement, balance, body awareness and internal body signals such as hunger, thirst, pain or fatigue may feel more intense, less noticeable, or simply different from how other people experience them.
Some autistic people may avoid certain sensory experiences, whilst others may actively seek them.
Many autistic people stim. This might include movements, sounds, fidgeting, using objects, or other forms of self-expression and self-regulation. Stimming can help with concentration, emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing and wellbeing.
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Predictability, Focus and Change
Many autistic people prefer predictability, clarity and structure. Knowing what to expect can reduce uncertainty and make situations feel more manageable.
Many autistic people prefer to focus on a smaller number of interests, tasks or priorities at a time. This can be a source of enjoyment, expertise and achievement, but can also make interruptions, uncertainty and competing demands more challenging.
Changes in routine, expectations, environment or circumstances may cause anxiety for some autistic people. Unexpected changes, uncertainty or overwhelming environments can sometimes increase stress and make situations harder to navigate. The impact of change varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as preparation, wellbeing and previous experiences.
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Masking and Burnout
Some autistic people consciously or unconsciously mask or camouflage aspects of themselves in order to fit in, feel accepted or avoid negative reactions from others. This can require significant effort and may impact wellbeing.
Periods of prolonged stress, sensory overload, masking, camouflaging or repeatedly pushing beyond a person’s capacity can sometimes contribute to autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is often described as a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that can make it difficult to cope with things that would normally feel manageable.
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Culture, Identity and Community
Being autistic can sometimes bring challenges — and it can also bring strengths and positive qualities. Many autistic people describe honesty, attention to detail, creativity, deep focus, innovative thinking and a strong sense of fairness as important parts of who they are. Autistic people make valuable contributions to their families, communities, workplaces and society.
Many autistic people identify with autistic culture and community, finding connection through shared experiences, values and ways of understanding the world.
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Autism & other differences
Autism is lifelong, although many people do not discover they are autistic until adulthood or later in life. For some, an assessment provides an explanation for experiences they have had throughout their lives.
Autistic experiences are shaped not only by the individual, but also by the environments, systems and communities around them.
Not a learning disability
Autism is not a learning disability, although some autistic people may also have a learning disability or other differences which influence their experiences.
NOT A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION
Autism is not a mental health condition, although autistic people can experience mental health difficulties in the same way as anyone else.
Some autistic people may also have other neurodevelopmental differences, health conditions or disabilities, whilst others may not.
Between 1993 and 2013, some people received a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. People who previously received a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome would now usually be diagnosed as autistic.
Views about autism vary across the autistic community. Some people see autism as a difference, some as a disability, and many see it as both. What is widely recognised is that autistic people often experience barriers within environments, systems and communities that are not designed with autistic differences in mind.
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Understanding the spectrum
Autism is described as a spectrum because autistic people experience the world in different ways.
The spectrum is often mistakenly thought of as a line from “mild” to “severe”. In reality, autistic people have a wide range of strengths, challenges, preferences and experiences that cannot be accurately represented on a single scale.
Terms such as “high functioning” and “low functioning” are now widely regarded as unhelpful because they oversimplify people’s experiences.
The term “low functioning” can overlook a person’s abilities, strengths and potential, whilst “high functioning” can minimise the challenges, effort and barriers they may experience.
Experiences of disability, adjustment and support are individual and are often influenced by a person’s environment. Some autistic people benefit from adjustments or support in certain situations, whilst others may not. These needs and experiences can also change throughout a person’s life.
Factors such as age, health, life circumstances, expectations, stress, burnout, sensory demands and environment can all influence how autism is experienced at different times.
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Language & identity
There are different ways of talking about autism. Two of the most common:
Identity-First
“Autistic person” — reflects current UK research and the preference of many autistic people.
Person-First
“Person with autism” — preferred by some, who see autism as something a person has rather than is.
At Autism Bucks, we generally use identity-first language because this reflects both current UK research and the preferences expressed by many autistic people.
Many autistic people prefer identity-first language because they do not see autism as something separate from who they are. Rather than being something a person “has”, autism is often understood as an integral part of a person’s identity that influences how they experience and interact with the world.
Research exploring language preferences within the UK autism community found that identity-first language was preferred by many autistic people for these reasons.
At the same time, language is personal. Some people prefer person-first language, whilst others prefer identity-first language. We respect individual preferences and encourage others to do the same.
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Seeking an assessment
Some people seek an autism assessment because they are looking for answers about their experiences, whilst others may want access to support, adjustments or a greater understanding of themselves.
A good autism assessment considers the whole person. It looks not only at challenges and support needs, but also at strengths, preferences, patterns of thinking, sensory experiences, communication styles and areas of deep interest or knowledge.
Assessments consider a person’s experiences across their lifespan and are not based on a single questionnaire or appointment.
It can be helpful to gather information about:
Childhood experiences & development
Education, employment & relationships
Sensory experiences
Communication & social experiences
Routines, preferences & ways of thinking
Areas of deep interest or specialist knowledge
Experiences of stress, anxiety, burnout or masking
Any adjustments, support or strategies that help
Information from family members, school reports or people who know you well can sometimes help — but isn’t always required.
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NHS assessment pathway
If you think you may be autistic, speak with your GP about a referral for an autism assessment.
Some services use screening questionnaires such as the AQ-10. These may help identify whether further assessment should be considered, but they can’t determine whether someone is autistic.
Tools like the AQ-10 were developed using research that didn’t fully reflect the diversity of the autistic community — much of it focused on relatively narrow groups, particularly boys and men. As a result, some autistic people may score below the referral threshold despite being autistic.
This can be especially relevant for people who mask, women and girls, non-binary people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and others whose experiences differ from those in the original research.
A low score doesn’t automatically mean someone isn’t autistic, and a high score doesn’t confirm that they are.
If a referral is declined, you may wish to seek a second opinion or contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for guidance.
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Private assessment
Some people choose a private assessment because of local waiting times or difficulties accessing NHS services.
If you receive a private diagnosis, sharing the assessment report with your GP can help ensure relevant information is included in your healthcare records.
You can also discuss any recommendations from the assessment with your GP and other relevant professionals.
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Common myths
“If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.”
This phrase is widely used because it highlights the diversity of autistic experiences. There’s no single autistic experience — every autistic person is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, preferences, identity and life experiences.
“Autism is caused by vaccines.”
Autism is not caused by vaccines. Extensive research has found no evidence of a link between vaccination and autism.
“Autism is a mental health condition.”
Autism is not a mental health condition, although autistic people can experience mental health difficulties just like anyone else.
“Autism is a learning disability.”
Autism is not a learning disability, although some autistic people may also have a learning disability.
“Autism can only be identified in childhood.”
Many people are identified as autistic in adulthood. Some don’t discover they’re autistic until later life.
“All autistic people are the same.”
Autistic people have a wide range of strengths, challenges, preferences, identities and life experiences.
