What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
(Taken from the National Autistic Society, Jan 2025. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism)
Signs of autism in adults?
Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Social communication.
- taking things literally and not understanding abstract concepts
- needing extra time to process information or answer questions
- repeating what others say to them (this is called echolalia)
Social interaction
Autistic people often have difficulty ‘reading’ other people – recognising or understanding others’ feelings and intentions – and expressing their own emotions. This can make it very hard to navigate the social world. Autistic people may:
- appear to be insensitive
- seek out time alone when overloaded by other people
- not seek comfort from other people
- appear to behave ‘strangely’ or in a way thought to be socially inappropriate
- find it hard to form friendships.
Repetitive and restrictive behaviour.
With its unwritten rules, the world can seem a very unpredictable and confusing place to autistic people. This is why they often prefer to have routines so that they know what is going to happen. They may want to travel the same way to and from school or work, wear the same clothes or eat exactly the same food for breakfast.
Over- or under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch.
Autistic people may experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures or pain. For example, they may find certain background sounds like music in a restaurant, which other people ignore or block out, unbearably loud or distracting. This can cause anxiety or even physical pain. Many autistic people prefer not to hug due to discomfort, which can be misinterpreted as being cold and aloof.
Many autistic people avoid everyday situations because of their sensitivity issues. Schools, workplaces and shopping centres can be particularly overwhelming and cause sensory overload.
Extreme Anxiety
Anxiety is a real difficulty for many autistic adults, particularly in social situations or when facing change. It can affect a person psychologically and physically and impact the quality of life for autistic people and their families.
(Taken from the National Autistic Society, Jan 2025. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism)
I think I am autistic. What should I do?
STEP 1:
Use this online screening tool to identify if you have any traits of autism.
The screening tool can’t provide a diagnosis, but it can help you decide if further investigation is justified.
Embrace Autism – Autism Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire*
*Not affiliated with the University of Worcester. All online screening tools should be used with caution and do not replace or supersede a diagnosis by a trained professional. Other online screening tools are available.
STEP 2: