There is no such thing as “normal”.  People with Autism are just differently gifted – their brains work in a different way. 

Autism is not new, it has been a feature of human beings since the first prehistoric humans walked the Earth, and may have given these early humans survival skills and exceptional talents. 

Some researchers into early humans have suggested that Denisovans may have benefitted from autistic qualities, which helped them to survive many thousands of years ago.

If you think you or your child may be autistic, get advice about the signs of autism. Your child’s teacher and GP may also be able to help.

Autism is not an illness

Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people.

It’s something you’re born with or first appears when you’re very young.

If you’re autistic, you’re autistic your whole life.

Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a “cure”. But some people need support to help them with certain things.

Autism is different for everyone

Autism is a spectrum. This means everybody with autism is different.

Some autistic people need little or no support. Others may need help from a parent or carer every day.

Some people use other names for autism

There are other names for autism used by some people, such as:

  • autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – the medical name for autism
  • autism spectrum condition (ASC) – used instead of ASD by some people
  • Asperger’s (or Asperger syndrome) – used by some people to describe autistic people with average or above average intelligence.


What is autism? Autistic people may act in a different way to other people.

Autistic people may:
  • find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
  • find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
  • find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
  • get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
  • take longer to understand information
  • do or think the same things over and over

Autistic people can live a full life

Being autistic does not have to stop you having a good life.

Like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with.

Being autistic does not mean you can never make friends, have relationships or get a job. But you might need extra help with these things.