What is autism?
- Dr Harry Woodward
- May 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A friendly guide for parents and carers who want clarity, not jargon
“When my daughter started lining up every toy in rainbow order instead of playing ‘make‑believe,’ I realised her world follows rules we can’t always see. Understanding those rules changed everything for both of us.” – A fellow carer
1. Autism in plain language
Autism (or Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD) is a lifelong neuro‑developmental difference that shapes how a child communicates, processes information and experiences the world. It usually shows up in two broad areas:
Social communication and interaction
Difficulty reading facial expressions or knowing when to join a conversation
Preferring parallel play or solo interests over group games
Restricted or repetitive patterns
Intense focus on topics (sharks, train timetables, Greek mythology—pick a passion!)
Need for routines and predictability, or sensory sensitivities to sound, light, texture
Think of it as a different neurological wiring, not a flaw. Every autistic child has a unique profile of strengths and support needs.
2. How common is autism?
Global estimate: roughly 1 in 100 children worldwide (WHO, 2023).
UK data: about 1 in 57 children aged 5‑16 (NHS Digital, 2021).
Gender ratio: historically 4:1 boys to girls, but better recognition means more girls are now identified—some studies suggest the real ratio is closer to 3:1.
Co‑occurring conditions: around 30–40 % of autistic children also have ADHD, anxiety or learning differences.
Quick maths: In an average UK primary school of 300 pupils, five or six will be autistic—and that figure is rising as awareness improves.
3. Why does autism happen?
There’s no single “cause.” Research points to a combination of:
Genetics: twin studies show heritability around 70–90 %.
Brain development: differences in how certain networks connect and communicate.
Environmental factors: prematurity, older parental age and a few prenatal exposures slightly increase likelihood—but none cause autism on their own.
There is no evidence that parenting style, vaccines or diet cause autism. Full stop.
4. A day in the life: Leo, age 6
Morning routine: Leo wears the same soft cotton T‑shirt every Monday because “Monday feels red.”
At school: He corrects the teacher if the planets are listed out of order—space facts are his super‑power.
Playground: Closes his ears at squealing brakes; the sudden noise feels “like needles.”Evening: Deeply calm after 20 minutes bouncing on a mini‑trampoline while reciting train station names.
Notice how challenges (sensory overload) live right alongside gifts (astounding memory). The goal isn’t to “fix” Leo—it’s to help him thrive in both areas.
5. Spotting signs early
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might notice:
Limited eye contact or not sharing excitement (e.g. pointing to show you a plane) by 12‑18 months
Delayed or unusual speech (echoing phrases verbatim, called echolalia)
Strong attachment to routines; distress at minor changes
Fascination with spinning objects, patterns or parts of toys
Unusual sensory responses—covering ears to everyday sounds, seeking strong pressure hugs
If several signs persist for six months and affect daily life, talk to your GP, health visitor or school SENCO for an assessment referral.
6. Getting a diagnosis: what happens?
Referral: via GP, paediatrician or school SENCO.
Multi‑disciplinary assessment: developmental history with parents and carers, observation sessions, speech‑language and/or psychology input.
Feedback meeting: you receive the diagnostic report, strengths profile and support recommendations.
Post‑diagnosis journey: education plans (EHCP in England), parent‑training groups, and—if helpful—speech therapy, occupational therapy or social‑skills programmes.
Waiting times can be long (6–24 months in many NHS areas). Private assessments tends to be faster.
7. Support strategies that can really help
Visual supports: picture schedules, first‑then boards, countdown timers.
Sensory planning: noise‑cancelling headphones, chewable jewellery, blackout tent for calm breaks.
Strength‑based learning: use fascinations (dinosaurs, coding) to teach maths, reading or social turn‑taking.
Social stories™: mini‑comic scripts explaining tricky situations like haircuts or birthday parties.
Medication (if needed): not for autism itself but for co‑occurring ADHD, anxiety or severe sleep issues—always discussed with your medical team.
8. Seeing the strengths
Autistic children can bring remarkable qualities to the table:
Exceptional pattern recognition and attention to detail
Honest, literal communication (no hidden agendas!)
Intense creativity when given the right medium—drawing, coding, music
Loyal friendships with people who accept them as they are
“My autistic teenager re‑organised our pantry by barcode and expiry date. Meal‑planning has never been easier!” – Parent & carer anecdote
9. Next steps for parents and carers
Link with support networks: local autism societies, SEND parent forums, online groups (but curate wisely).
Educate the wider circle: share short explainers with grandparents, babysitters, coaches.
Review school support: request a meeting to check reasonable adjustments or start an EHCP application.
Look after yourself: respite care, counselling or just a quiet walk—your well‑being matters too.
Keep learning: subscribe to this blog for practical tips and real‑life stories
Key message: Autism treatment doesn’t have a fixed destination; it helps to navigate a different road map. With understanding and the right supports, your child can navigate that map to places full of possibility.
References for the curious
Got questions or stories to share? Drop them in the comments or reach out via the contact page. We’re in this together—one blog post, one breakthrough, one child at a time.
World Health Organization. Autism spectrum disorders, 2023.
NHS Digital. Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2021.
Lai MC et al. “Sex/Gender differences in autism,” jaacap.org, 2019.
Lord C et al. “Autism spectrum disorder,” Nature Reviews, 2020.
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