Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is it?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. 

​

Despite popular belief we are not all 'a little autistic' you either are autistic or not. Yes we are all a little different you have to meet criteria in several areas not just one or two.

​

Everything I do behaviourally I have learned. Nothing social comes naturally to me and it is extremely exhausting to try and function in a world not designed for me.

​

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses.

​

My weaknesses are I suffer with sensory overload mainly caused by noises. The smallest noises to most people are amplified to me and cause me a great deal of stress. People chewing, reading a magazine or newspaper, or a loud typer in the office cause me much stress and distress.

​

I also struggle massively with a change in plans, routine, schedule or unexpected change in process or meeting. 

​

Bright lights make me dizzy so I avoid going into Tesco or Asda at night time where possible. I do not like certain textures and crowds are a struggle as is public transport without the aid of headphones and a distraction.

​

However, along with the weaknesses I have many strengths. I am solution focussed and will seek to find one to any problem. I bring completely different insights to the table, have photographic memory, and am above average intelligence.

​

I love routine and as such have exempliary attendance and punctuality records. I am extremely conscientious and can pick up new things very quickly. I often get bored though when not stretched mentally. I like to be challenged.

​

I am extremely resilient. I always bounce back from adversity once I have processed it and have an appreciation for the world around me unlike most others. Nature is a powerful not to be reconed with.

​

​