What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all autistic people share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.

Some autistic people can live relatively independent lives, but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need longer term specialist support.

 

What are the main signs of Autism?

The main signs of Autism in adults include:

Finding it difficult to understand what others are thinking or feeling

Finding it hard to say how you feel

Feeling very anxious in social situations

Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own

Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to

Taking things very literally – for example, not understanding phrases, sarcasm, or jokes

Having the same routine every day and feeling anxious when your routine changes

Other signs of Autism may include avoiding eye contact, having a keen interest in specific subjects or activities and noticing small details such as smells or sounds that others do not.

Here at The Retreat Clinics, we can support you to make sense of your condition, from assessments to therapeutic support. Our assessment and therapy services are available at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.