Glossary
What is autism?
Also called: autism spectrum disorder, ASD, autism spectrum condition, ASC, autistic, Asperger's
Definition
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference in how a person communicates, relates to others, processes sensory information and experiences the world, and it is present from birth even if it is recognised later.
What it means
The formal diagnosis is autism spectrum disorder in DSM-5 and ICD-11. Many families and autistic people prefer “autism” or “autistic”, and in the UK you will also see “autism spectrum condition”. Asperger’s syndrome is no longer given as a separate diagnosis and now sits within autism.
A diagnosis looks at two broad areas: differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests, which include sensory differences. In the UK, children are usually assessed by an NHS team that may include a paediatrician, psychologist and speech and language therapist, often after a referral from a GP or school. Waiting times vary a lot between areas.
Autism is not an illness to be cured. Autistic children can also have anxiety, ADHD or other difficulties alongside it, and those can be helped.
What it can look like for your child
Your child might need the same breakfast every day, be upset by a change of route to school, or know everything about trains. They might find noisy classrooms painful, take language literally, prefer playing alone or play in their own way with others. Many autistic girls in particular cope at school and fall apart at home.
How counselling can help
We don’t try to make an autistic child seem less autistic. Counselling can help with what often sits alongside autism: anxiety, low mood, anger, friendship problems and exhaustion from masking. Gitta has many years of work with autistic children, and sessions are adapted, with predictable structure, sensory choices and as little or as much talking as suits your child. We can support families before, during or after an assessment.