Autism
Autism is a condition that can affect social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. It is estimated that about 1 in every 100 people in the UK has autism (Beyond Autism, 2026).
Historically, autism was considered to be a condition which only impacted upon boys but research has highlighted that girls can also be autistic, however, their characteristics and the way their autism presents can be very different to how boys 'traditionally' present as autistic.
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Characteristics of Autism ​​
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These can be divided into three main groups:
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social interaction
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social communication
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social imagination
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Social interaction
A person who has Autism may find it hard to relate to other people. They may seem
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distant or detached
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have little or no interest in other people
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find it difficult to make friends
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not seek affection in the usual way, or resist physical contact such as kissing and cuddling
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find it difficult to make eye contact with other people
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want to have social contact, but have difficulty knowing how to initiate it
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not understand other people's emotions and have difficulty managing their own emotions
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prefer to spend time alone
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Social communication
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An autistic person may have difficulty using verbal and non-verbal skills, and some people may remain non-verbal throughout their lives.
Someone with autism may also have difficulty:
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expressing themselves well
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understanding gestures, facial expressions or tones of voice
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using gestures to communicate
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understanding instructions
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Some people with ASC may develop echolalia, where they repeat words that have little meaning or repeat what has been said to them.
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Social imagination
Autistic children may also have difficulties with:
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have limited imaginative play
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play the same games over and over, or play with games designed for children younger than themselves
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get upset if their daily routines are interrupted in any way
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show repetitive behaviours, such as hand flapping or spinning
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In addition, children and adults may also develop obsessions or fixate– for example, with specific objects, lists, timetables or routines.
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Sensory difficulties
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Autistic people may also have sensory difficulties. This means they may be oversensitive to specific things, such as touch, taste, certain textures, light levels, or sound. Sensory processing difficulties can also lead to problems with movement.
A person with autism may appear clumsy or have an unusual way of walking.
Getting a Diagnosis
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See your GP or health visitor if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of ASC in your child, or if you're concerned about your child's development. It can also be helpful to discuss your concerns with your child's nursery or school.
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For additional information, advice and support:
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NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
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National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asd.aspx
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Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/learning-disabilities/a-to-z/a/autistic-spectrum-disorders-asd
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Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/
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Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/conditions/autism-and-mental-health/
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Priory Group: https://www.priorygroup.com/mental-health/autistic-spectrum-disorders-asds