Autism

Brief Introduction to Autism

Autism is a lifelong, neurological difference which can impact social communication and interaction, information and sensory processing.

According to O’Nions et al. (2023), in England, there are “over 1.2 million” autistic people. Cunningham (2025) stated there are “currently 180,000 autistic pupils in England”.

Each autistic person is different and therefore may need different levels and types of support. Each autistic person may use different language to describe their identity and experiences. For example, identity first language is commonly used amongst the autistic community. Some autistic people consider autism to be a difference, and others may view autism as disabling in some or all contexts.

Many autistic people have intersecting identities e.g. also belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Across the lifespan, autistic people require person-centred support which is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed. Listening to autistic people's experiences and perspectives is vital.

Autism Theories

Contemporary autism theories, developed by the autistic community, include:

Double Empathy Problem ~ Damian Milton suggests a difficulty in social communication may arise when there is a mismatch of neurotype. There can be a level of disconnect between autistic and non-autistic people which can lead to miscommunications. The onus should be on both the autistic and non-autistic people to adapt their communication styles.

Monotropism ~ Wenn Lawson suggests autistic people focus their attention on fewer things at a time and therefore may find processing multiple streams of information and transitions harder than non-autistic people. Having a monotropic thinking style can also impact people’s ability to process social interactions and sensory information.

Everyone has eight senses (including three internal senses – interoception, proprioception and vestibular). Some autistic people may find it hard to filter and process sensory input, which may lead to sensory overwhelm. Rizzo and Röck (2021, p. 35) summarised this as the “intense world theory”, highlighting the sensory differences an autistic person has and the joys, capacities and challenges that are linked to this.

My Personal Characteristics of Autism

As an autistic woman, I struggle with the following:

Developing and maintaining friendships.
Reading other people’s intentions.
Significant anxiety.
Processing a lot of information.
Working memory.
Alexithymia (identifying, understanding/regulating and articulating my emotions).
Sensory sensitivities (including interoception).
Chronic fatigue.
Masking.

An Asset-Based Approach ~ Actually, We Can!

Despite challenges and barriers to thriving (often imposed by society and sensory environments), many autistic people have strengths which should be celebrated. Some of my strengths include:

Passion and hyper-focus.
Determination to improve the system.
Attention to detail.
Creativity.
Honesty.
Loyalty.
Empathy.
Resilience.
Ability to see the world from a different perspective.

Being autistic is something to be proud of. It’s important for everyone to embrace their differences!

Myth Busting

Many autistic people do want friends (although their communication styles and friendships may look different to non-autistic people).
Autistic people can be involved in romantic relationships (although they may need tailored, explicit and ongoing guidance around relationships and sexuality).
All autistic people have a voice (despite some autistic people being situationally mute and others being non-speaking).
Autistic people can be hyper-empathetic (although empathy may be expressed differently to a non-autistic person).
Many autistic people do have a sense of humour.
Autistic people can be successful in education and employment (providing they receive the right level of support at the right time).
Many autistic people can live independently (providing they receive the right level of support at the right time).