By Tyler Binks (Student at Beverley school) Sources: National Autistic Society (NAS): autism/autism-an-introduction/what-is-autism.aspxhttp:// autism/autism-an-introduction/what-is-autism.aspx National Health Service (NHS): spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspxhttp:// spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx (Version 1.1)

What is Autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a life long condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. This includes Asperger syndrome as well. Autistic people are ‘neurodiverse’ while people who are not are called ‘neurotypical’. That means neural brain activity is a lot more different than brain activity that is typical, expected and standard.

Some types of Autism High functioning: When intelligence is moderate or high. Being able to do basic and more advanced tasks independently but still have problems with social interaction and behaviour, Hence an autism diagnosis. Low functioning: When people have low intelligence and may need to be attended to by an adult/member of staff to do most basic tasks.

Autism facts In the UK, it's estimated that about one in every hundred people has autism. Some people with autism may not speak, or have fairly limited speech. They will usually understand what other people say to them, but prefer to use alternative means of communication themselves, such as sign language, visual symbols or body language.

Autism facts People with autism have difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal language. Many have a very literal understanding of language, and think people always mean exactly what they say. They can find it difficult to use or understand facial expressions or tone of voice, jokes and sarcasm. Common phrases and sayings; an example might be the phrase 'It's cool', which people often say when they think that something is good, but strictly speaking, means that it's a bit cold.

Autism facts Some people with autism are too anxious to leave the house they live in. Social bonding, utility and interaction can be very difficult for people with autism, they may be more anxious, shy and embarrassed about themselves.

Autism facts People with autism may be psychology allergic to certain smells, sounds, visible objects and even other people. Some autistic people wear ear muffs or headphones to block out loud noises. For some autistic people, even if their not too self conscious of their looks, may hide their face/head using hoodies, scarf's, masks or other objects.

Social activity difficulties For some of autistic people, joining in social activities or being in crowded spaces can be too scary for them. Some people with autism can be just as happy on their own then they would with other people. This is because of a problem with the social arrangement of the brain when dopamine is released just as equally being alone or not.

Asperger syndrome Asperger syndrome is a type of autism. People with Asperger syndrome have slightly less problems with verbal communication and are often of average or above average intelligence. People with Asperger syndrome have difficulties in three main areas: social communication, social interaction and social imagination. It affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people.

Obsessive compulsive disorder Some people with autism have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) were they have to do a certain routine and if it is disrupted, upsets the person. Also people with OCD may want to be very organised and very neat, if something isn't ‘good, neat or tidy’ enough, they may get upset.

Autistic symptoms Symptoms of autism can be problems with social interaction and communication including problems understanding and being aware of other people's emotions and feelings. This can also include delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly.

When Autism develops The main features of autism typically start to develop in childhood, It may not be apparent until there is a big change in the person’s life, like changing school. Autism spectrum disorder can develop at anytime in a person’s life but this is highly unlikely.

Can Autism be cured? There is no so called ‘cure’ for autism, but a wide range of treatments including education and behaviour support can help people with the condition. Like this school, Beverley school, a specialist school for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder. This sort of establishment like many others does its best to give autistic people an education and a shot at life when mainstream schools or other establishments fail to do so.

What causes ASD? The exact cause of ASD is unknown, but it is thought that several complex genetic and environmental factors are involved. In some cases, an underlying condition may contribute to ASD.

The science of autism With autism, your brain is wired/controlled differently Since hormones are what control people’s behaviour and personality the hormones are arranged a lot more differently for each autistic person. People may feel more angry, sad or happy and so on (depending on the persons hormonal arrangement).

Is autism different depending on gender? Yes, this is because autism effects individual’s hormonal arrangement and hormones differ in males and females. Many studies have found that this is true and noticed behaviour difference’s depending on gender. Males and females behave differently anyway so that principle would apply to autistic people.

The difference between ASD and LD LD (learning difficulties) is a condition where people struggle to learn and grasp the concept of things. ASD is a condition affecting social interaction and behaviour. They’re two different conditions. These two can overlap though, people can have ASD and LD.

What people thought caused Autism In the past, some people believed that the MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine caused ASD, but this has been investigated extensively in a number of major studies around the world, involving millions of children, and researchers have found no evidence of a link between MMR and ASD.

The spectrum of autism The spectrum of autism is huge! Some people with autism are completely different to other people with autism. It has been argued between psychologists, therapists, scientists and doctors that the spectrum is incorrect and that the government has misunderstood autism and misdiagnosed too many people. Disclaimer: This is purely controversial and may not be true.

Don't feel bad if you have autism Technically, everybody is autistic to an extent but when it is severe enough to interfere with everyday life, it is classed as a condition/disorder. Autism usually is something you can overcome, learn to cope with your social difficulties and then go on to do well in life. Also autism is what forms your personality, opinions, interests and lifestyle.

Example of famous/rich autistic people Having autism doesn’t mean your life is ruined, it means that you’ll get more support and may take a bit longer to finish school. That’s why our six form is at max four years long and not two. Look at Richard Branson, the founder of virgin media. He is autistic and is a multi-billionaire. They are lots of autistic people who are very famous and rich.