Autism is a lifelong conditions that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how a person makes sense of the world around them
The characteristics of the condition vary from one person to another.
There are three main areas of difficulty, which all people with autism share. They are difficulties with:
Many people with autism may experience some form of sensory sensitivity or under-sensitivity, for example to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
People with autism often prefer to have a fixed routine and can be averse to change. Many people with autism may also have a co-morbid condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or dyspraxia.
Asperger syndrome is a condition on the autism spectrum. People with Asperger syndrome have fewer problems with speaking than others on the spectrum and are often of average or above average intelligence. However, they may still have complex support needs.
Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives. Others may require a lifetime of support.
Published: 3 March 2010
The first autism strategy for England marked a fundamental change in public services helping adults with autism to live independent lives and find work.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and although some people can live relatively independently, others will have high dependency needs requiring a lifetime of specialist care. There are approximately 400,000 adults with ASC in England, around half of whom have a learning disability.
Published on 3 March 2010, the strategy set a clear framework for all mainstream services across the public sector to work together for adults with autism.
Actions in the autism strategy include a new National Autism Programme Board to lead change in public services set out in the strategy; a programme to develop training with health and social care professional bodies (backed by a £500,000 investment); autism awareness training for all Job Centre Disability Employment Advisers; guidance on making public services accessible for adults with autism, like improving buildings, public transport and communication; and a clear, consistent pathway for diagnosis."
Published: 17 December 2010
The consultation on the statutory guidance for health and social care ran from 29 July to 22 October 2010 and received more than 260 responses. The majority of these were from individuals with autism and family carers however there were around one hundred from voluntary sector organisations and health and social care bodies. This summary highlights the findings from the consultation and includes the Government response.
Published: 17 December 2010
In line with the requirements of the Autism Act 2009, DH has issued Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives, statutory guidance for health and social care bodies. The purpose of the guidance is to secure the implementation of Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives: The strategy for adults with autism in England by giving guidance to local authorities, NHS bodies and NHS Foundation Trusts around training of staff, the diagnosis of autism and the leadership and planning of services. This guidance will help these bodies to develop services that support and meet the locally identified needs of people with autism and their families and carers
Plain English and Easy Read versions of the guidance are also available.
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