- You might also hear autism called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is the medical term for a diagnosis of autism.
- Being autistic can affect how you communicate with people and understand them, and how people understand you.
- It can also affect how you think, learn and pay attention to things and how you respond to light, sounds, smells, tastes and touch.
- Some autistic people have a learning disability. Some have average intelligence or above average intelligence.
- Autistic people are more likely to have some physical and mental health conditions, such as epilepsy, anxiety, eating disorders or depression.
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is also more common in autistic people.
- Autism is something you’re born with. It’s not an illness and there is no treatment or cure, but there are ways of managing it and getting support.
- It’s not known what causes autism, but it can sometimes affect people in the same family. It is not caused by vaccines or medicines.
We are autistic
This video shows how autism can affect everyday life and how you can help support and understand autistic people.
Media last reviewed: 29 March 2024
Media review due: 29 March 2027
Media review due: 29 March 2027