Facts about autism

The National Autistic Society describes autism as a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also shapes the way they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.

Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.


Facts and figures

• Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition. Without the right support, it can have a profound - sometimes devastating - effect on individuals and families
• It is much more common than many people think. There are over half a million people in the UK with autism - that's around 1 in 100.
• Autism doesn't just affect children. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism
• Autism is a hidden disability - you can't always tell if someone has it
• While it is incurable, the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people’s lives
• Nearly two-thirds of adults with autism in England do not have enough support to meet their needs
• At least one in three adults with autism experiences severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support
• Only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in full-time paid employment
• 51% of adults with autism in the UK have spent time with neither a job, nor access to benefits, 10% of those having been in this position for a decade or more
• 61% of those out of work say they want to work
• 79% of those on Incapacity Benefit say they want to work

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