Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people.  It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will impact each of them in different ways.  Some people are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have co-occurring differences and need a lifetime of specialist support.  People who are on the Autistic Spectrum may also experience over-or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light and colours.

Autism rates are now thought to be as high as 1 in 36 children in the UK.

Early intervention, education and support are critical in enabling children, teens and adults with autism to lead fulfilling lives.  Let’s ask ourselves ”How might this be affecting their lives and what can we do to help?”

First of all it is important to understand how being Autistic is impacting their lives. What does it mean to them and not just the negatives but the positives too. What accommodations can be made to help support them? How can we adapt the environment, human and the physical space so it works with their autism? Inclusivity, understanding and celebrating the unique qualities of being on the spectrum is how we can move forwards positively.

For parents needing some support in the early years The Little Explorers Activity Club has created an online e-booklet. Link below

Online Support – The Little Explorers Activity Club CIC

To learn more we recommend the Open University Understanding Autism course

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/understanding-autism/content-section-overview