Autism is a lifelong disability which shapes how autistic people communicate with, and relate to, the world around them. 

Autism is something you are born with, and many autistic people see it as a positive and important part of their identity. It affects each person differently, which is why autism is described as a "spectrum".

Autistic people are all different and will have different skills, strengths and needs. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. Many autistic people have unique strengths and exceptional abilities in certain areas, such as strong attention to detail, deep focus and creative problem-solving. Some autistic people will need very little or no support in their everyday lives’ others may need high levels of care, such as 24-hour support.

Autistic people may need adjustments or support with a range of things, such as forming friendships, coping at school, managing at work, or being able to get out and about in the community. Autistic people may have other challenges such as anxiety, repetitive or restrictive behaviours or sensory difficulties where they find things like bright lights or noises overwhelming.

Autism is not a learning disability or a mental health condition although some autistic people will also have a learning disability or experience poor mental health.

There is currently no known cause of autism.