Autism Spectrum Disorder
A lifelong neurodevelopmental difference affecting social communication, sensory processing and behaviour.
Overview
Autism affects ~1 in 100 people. It is not an illness but a different way the brain processes information. Strengths often include attention to detail, deep focus and pattern recognition. Co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulty, epilepsy) are common and shape support needs.
Symptoms
- • Differences in social communication: eye contact, reciprocity, conversation flow
- • Restricted, repetitive behaviours or intense interests
- • Sensory sensitivities (sound, light, texture, taste)
- • Need for routine; distress at unexpected change
- • Delayed or atypical language development
Risk factors
- • Family history of autism or related conditions
- • Genetic syndromes (Fragile X, Rett, tuberous sclerosis)
- • Premature birth, low birth weight
Causes
- • Strongly genetic (heritability ~80%); polygenic and rare variants
- • Advanced parental age (small contribution)
- • Prenatal factors: valproate exposure, maternal infection
🚨 Red flags — seek urgent care
- • Loss of previously acquired language or skills (regression)
- • No babbling by 12 months, no words by 16 months, no 2-word phrases by 24 months
- • Self-injurious behaviour
- • Severe meltdowns with safety risk
When to seek care
- • Parental concern about communication, social or sensory development
- • Health visitor or school raising developmental concerns
- • Sudden behavioural change in a diagnosed person — exclude pain, illness, environment change
Diagnosis
- • Multidisciplinary assessment (paediatrician, psychologist, speech therapist)
- • Standardised tools: ADOS-2, ADI-R, 3Di
- • Developmental history, school observation, sensory profile
- • Screen for co-occurring conditions: ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulty, epilepsy, sleep disorder
- • Genetic testing (array CGH, Fragile X) and hearing/vision assessment
Treatment
- • Personalised support plan — neurodiversity-affirming
- • Early intervention (speech and language, occupational therapy, parent-mediated programmes)
- • Education support: EHCP, sensory adjustments, predictable routines
- • Treat co-occurring conditions: methylphenidate/atomoxetine for ADHD, SSRIs for anxiety, melatonin for sleep
- • Behavioural and mental-health support; avoid coercive 'normalisation' approaches
Prevention
- • No prevention; focus is timely identification and support
- • Avoid sodium valproate in pregnancy
Complications
- • Mental health: anxiety, depression, suicidality (higher rates)
- • Burnout, school refusal
- • Self-injurious behaviour in some
- • Diagnostic overshadowing — physical illness missed
Prognosis
Autism is lifelong. With understanding, accommodations and treatment of co-occurring conditions, autistic people lead full and meaningful lives.
Education & self-care
Autistic people thrive with environments that accommodate sensory and communication differences. Early identification opens doors to support — at any age.
Frequently asked questions
Do vaccines cause autism?
No — this has been repeatedly and definitively disproved.
Can adults be diagnosed?
Yes — many autistic adults are diagnosed later in life, especially women and people from minoritised groups.
Is there a cure?
Autism is not a disease to cure. Support focuses on strengths, accommodations and co-occurring conditions.