Autism Spectrum Condition and Asperger Syndrome

There are over half a million people in the UK diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition and Asperger Syndrome. People with the diagnosis come from all nationalities, cultures, social backgrounds and religions. Autism and Asperger Syndrome are described as a ‘spectrum condition’ because the condition affects people in many different ways.

Find out more about the process for assessing both children and adults on the spectrum.

The spectrum of symptoms varies, however individuals with the condition can have difficulties in the following areas, known as the Triad of Impairments:

• Social communication
  People on the Autistic Spectrum Condition and those with Asperger Syndrome may experience difficulty communicating both verbally and non-verbally. There may be delays in the spoken language, they may take things literally and may appear distant or aloof.
• Social imagination
  There may be a lack of creativity, or an obsession with particular interests. They might have trouble coping with changes in routine or being placed in unfamiliar situations.
• Social interaction
  Individuals on the spectrum could perceive situations differently than those without the condition, so may not display appropriate behaviour in specific social situations. They may not be aware of the ‘rules’ of conversation and prefer to spend time alone.

Individuals may also have difficulties with:

• Anxiety levels
  People with Autism and Asperger Syndrome may be fearful of situations that appear outside of their control and can have vastly elevated anxiety levels. This can be exaggerated in circumstances such as job interviews, changes in job role, visiting unfamiliar locations, hearing strange sounds.
• Motor difficulties
  Some individuals experience difficulties with motor co-ordination and control. For example, they may have ‘odd’ posture or springy, tiptoe walk, may appear clumsy and have problems differentiating between left and right and up and down.
• Sensory difficulties
  It is common for an individual’s senses to be intensified or underdeveloped. They may be drawn to strong smells and tastes, only prefer certain types of clothing and see and hear differently to others.

Further information

Further information about the Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Asperger Syndrome is available on the National Autistic Society website, the Kent Autistic Trust and the National Health Services (NHS) website.

You can also search for care and support services in Kent using our online care directory.

The video below shows how Scott, a man with Autism and learning disabilities, and Marie, a professor with Asperger Syndrome, learn to make sense of society with the support of colleagues and family members.