Understanding autism

Autism is a spectrum, which means that not every autistic child or young person may show all the same signs. Parents, doctors, or health visitors can often spot these early signs.

The common signs of autism in children and young people can include:

• communication differences, such as delayed speed development
• repetitive behaviour and thought processes, for example lining up toys
• self-stimulatory movements, for example hand-flapping
• being sensitive to certain sensory aspects, such as sounds and textures
• the inability to recognise nonverbal forms of communication
• not able to understand what others are thinking or feeling or express their feelings
• struggling to cope with transitions and changes.

Visit the Kent Community Health website for more information.

These signs are not a definitive list of every autistic child or young person. Some children especially girls are often better at hiding their autism in public (this is called masking). Learn more about masking.

A unique view of the world

Autistic children and young people simply have a unique view of the world. And with a little help from their friends, family, and classmates. They might be able to share that view with us. Autism can make amazing things happen!

Autistic children and young people can also:

• be extremely passionate about what interests them
• perceive the world differently and process information in unique ways
• be detail-orientated and pay attention to the finer details
• love routines and like to stick to them
• have great memories and be able to recall facts
• be visual thinkers
• be straightforward, direct and honest
• be very smart
• have hyperlexia (meaning a child can learn to read early and quickly)
• be unafraid to be themselves.

Watch this video from the National Autistic Society. It explains what autism is. Including how autistic children and young people see the world.

Understanding autism from a child or young person

There are so many great videos out there explaining from a child or young person's perspective what autism is. Explore videos below:

• Learning to talk and living with autism - a collection of BBC videos. Showing children explaining their autism.
• We are autism - young people explaining what is autism to them.

Young person's views

Ambitious about Autism brought together young people (16+) to create the project 'myVoice'.

The project let young autistic people connect with others. Where they were able to talk about their worries. They created content. It included blogs and videos about many topics. These topics include health, friendship, and education.

Visit myVoice to hear the views of autistic young people.

They have also made fantastic young people videos, explaining what autism is to them.