23/10/2025
âlets talk about â
The National Autistic Society describe autism as âa lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the worldâ (Autism.org.uk)
Autism is not a condition that one can have, but rather, it is an inherent part of an individual's identity. You are born autistic, and therefore, being autistic is who you are.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) âis the medical name for autismâ (nhs.uk)
Asperger's (or Asperger syndrome) was a previously used term for Autistic people with âaverage or above average intelligence.â (NHS Sept 2022)
This term is no longer used as a diagnostic term. However, some people who have been diagnosed with it before, may still use this term.
âAutism is considered a spectrum because itâs different for every autistic personâ (NHS inform Nov 2023) Meaning each person has different characteristics along with their own personal strengths and weaknesses, unique to them.
However, âon the spectrumâ has often been frivolously used to describe people who show characteristics of autism, such as social awkwardness.
Using this term as a casual slur can often lead to myths and misunderstandings about Autism.
T.V shows and other popular culture contribute to the casual use of this term. Shows like âThe Big Bang Theoryâ created characters who are âfacetiously associated with autismâ (mic.com 2016) where characteristics of Autism were seen as âquirksâ and comedy.
People who are Autistic might:
â¨communicate and use language differently to most people
â¨have a specific ways of doing things, and can find it difficult to do them differently
â¨find is hard to understand how other people think or feel
â¨Seek out or avoid certain sensations such as loud noises, specific textures or bright lights
â¨Have Repetitive behaviours and patterns such as stimming, tapping, hand flapping, twirling hair. Some repetitive actions can help individuals feel calm such as taking the same route to work or school
â¨Have âintense and highly focused interestsâ (National Autistic society 2023)
Many women, girls and non-binary people can struggle to receive a diagnosis or are misdiagnosed. âSome tools used to diagnose autism are designed to identify autistic characteristics that may be more common in autistic men and boys.â (National Autistic Society 2023)
Find out more:
National Autistic Society
www.autism.org.uk
Ambitious about Autis
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Autism Independent
www.autismuk.com
Autistica
www.autistica.org.uk
NHS UK
www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism
Autism Central - Resources
www.autismcentral.org.uk/resources
What aspects of Autism do you think we need to talk about more?
let us know in the comments đ