Understanding Autism

Today, the discourse surrounding autism is more important than ever, and we are beginning to have productive discussions on how best to build an inclusive world that supports everyone. We’re learning to better identify the signs, respect the differences in communication and create spaces more friendly to autistic people. Positive autistic representation in the media is also growing and helping to normalise common traits like stimming, direct communication and focused interests. These shifts are not just changing perceptions – they’re opening doors. In this bookazine, we will shed light on this neurological difference, explore the varied ways it manifests in different people, and demonstrate the steps we can all take to make autistic lives more comfortable and fulfilling. We’ll also highlight the key strengths of autism, address the misconceptions that…

Communication differences are widely recognised as one of the main diagnostic criteria of autism. The way that this presents will look different for everyone. While some autistic people will experience communication differences from childhood, others may find that this becomes more pronounced as they grow. Although it’s common for autistic people to have difficulties with communication, autistic people have a variety of strengths, too. Challenges with communication The potential list of communication difficulties for autistic people is extensive, and all experiences will be unique to each individual as autism presents as a spectrum of differences. These frequently impact how autistic people socialise and experience life, and in some cases, can lead to challenges in developing relationships with others. The potential impact of communication differences can include feeling judged, rejected, or…

Imagine this. You are trying to speak to your boss at work. They are telling you what they want you to do. It’s massively important because you know this is a big chance to impress the higher-ups in the company. Get this right and they’ll give you that chance you’ve been looking for. But as you’re trying to listen to and understand what they are saying, you’re also hearing the whirr of an air conditioner unit, which has had a low-level grinding noise for the last three days, and the hiss from the kettle in the kitchen behind you. Just over the shoulder of your boss, you can’t stop glancing at the bright white light coming up from the photocopier machine as a colleague photocopies their passport without bothering to…

When it comes to autism, there’s a common belief that it’s more prevalent in men and boys than it is in women and girls. Historic data backs this up with an often-quoted statistic that autistic men and boys outnumber autistic women and girls four to one. More recent data suggests that the ratio is around three to one (Source: National Autistic Society), but this doesn’t tell the whole story. Much of the early autism research was only carried out on men and boys – due to the belief that autism was an overwhelming male concern – contributing to a bias in the available data. The first time ‘autism’ was used as a diagnostic term by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, he only looked at 11 children, of which three were girls.…

While we have seen a rise in awareness about autism and neurodiversity as a whole, the process of receiving a diagnosis can sometimes be lengthy, confusing, and even expensive. Navigating the healthcare system doesn’t have to be tricky, though, and this article will explain how you can access the support you or your loved ones need. Doing the research With that increased awareness of neurodiversity comes a larger pool of resources which you can use to find information. Namely, the places to look include charities and national health organisations, such as the National Autistic Society. Other websites can easily be found online or through resources from your local library. Some of the books and websites you look at may have screening tests. These can be useful tools to help you…

What exactly do we mean by ‘neurodiversity’ in children? Neurodiversity is a broad umbrella term that describes the variety of ways our brains can function and process information as human beings. It is generally a positive term which celebrates our differences and the benefits that neurodiversity can bring both to individuals and to society as a whole. Neurodiversity is generally thought to include a number of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD – previously termed dyspraxia) and specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia (difficulties with reading and writing) or dyscalculia (difficulties with processing numbers and arithmetic). In some definitions, mental and emotional health difficulties may also fall within the scope of this umbrella term. These conditions can all be diagnosed at…