Frequently Asked Questions

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), often called autism is a natural and lifelong variation in how a person’s brain develops and processes information. It shapes the way a child experiences the world, communicates, learns, and relates to others.

Autism is quite common—current research estimates that about 1 in every 50 children is diagnosed with autism, reflecting a wide and diverse community of autistic people.

Children with autism often share some common characteristics, though each child is unique. These may include differences in social communication (such as understanding and using language, reading social cues, or making friends), sensory experiences (being more sensitive or less sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or tastes), and behaviours (such as enjoying routines, engaging deeply with special interests, or having unique ways of expressing themselves).

Autism is not a disorder to be “fixed,” but a different way of being that brings both strengths and challenges.

What is the difference between social communication differences and autism?

Social communication differences describe a range of ways children may express themselves, understand others, and use language in social settings. Autism includes social communication differences but also involves other traits such as sensory preferences or unique patterns of thinking and behaviour. Not all social communication differences mean a child has autism, but they are important to understand and support.

What causes autism or social communication differences?

Evidence suggests that autism is genetic. Scientists have been attempting to identify which genes mean someone is autistic. It is likely that there are multiple genes rather than a single gene.

There is no link between autism and vaccines. A lot of research has focused on this over many years, and the results show that vaccines do not cause autism.

Autistic people are autistic for their whole life. There is no evidence that autism can be acquired. For example, autism is not caused by parenting style. And an autistic person cannot become non-autistic.

How do social communication differences or autism affect a child’s daily life?

Children with autism experience the world and social interactions in unique ways, which can influence their daily lives. Each autistic child is unique and may not experience the same level of impact.

Differences social communication skills such as understanding social cues or managing conversations, may mean these children engage with others differently. Children with autism often experience sensory processing differences. They might be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights or certain textures. This can affect how they experience their environment and social situations. The need for routine, and sometimes intense focus on specific interests can shape their experiences in ways that are both enriching and challenging. Children with autism may also experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety due to differences in understanding social cues and situations, and preference for routine and predictability.

What therapies or interventions help children with social communication differences or autism?

There are some simple changes we can all make to improve the way we support autistic people. This can include changes to the environment or how we communicate. Sometimes, autistic people will want or need more formal help, such as therapy or medical support. We use the word ‘intervention’ here to describe this kind of support.

Effective intervention focuses on understanding each child’s strengths, interests, differences and challenges. Therapies and interventions aim to empower children to communicate, connect, and thrive in ways that feel natural to them.

All support should:

• Be person-centred and promote autistic people’s dignity
• Keep people safe, healthy and happy
• Enable autistic people to do the things they love
• Never try and make someone “less autistic”
• Never use punishment.

Approaches that respect neurodiversity and prioritise the child’s wellbeing—such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, play-based learning, and support for social, emotional, and mental health—can be helpful.

If you are looking for an intervention, then it is important to discuss this with a professional. You can also visit trusted websites, such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or NHS. These can help you make informed choices.

NICE have produced the most thorough reviews of interventions for autistic people. Their guidelines are reviewed every three years to consider any new evidence. Children and young people – Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (2013) Recommended interventions include play-based strategies with parents, carers and teachers.

Other things to consider:

What helps one autistic person may not help others, therefore any intervention must be carefully considered and adapted to the individual’s specific needs.

It is also important to note the following:

• The individual should be central to all decisions;
• Potential negative effects should be considered;
• Professionals discussing or delivering the approach should have a good understanding of autism;
• Treatment should be based on the best available evidence;
• Positive and negative effects should be carefully monitored and regularly reviewed.

What should I tell teachers or caregivers about my child’s social communication needs?

Share your child’s unique way of communicating, learning, and interacting. Highlight their strengths and any strategies that help them feel comfortable and understood. Is it also important to share their difficulties or differences and strategies or environmental adaptations that you have found support your child.

What if I am concerned about my child’s attention and impulsivity?

Discuss your concerns with your child’s school or nursery and with professionals involved in your child’s care (e.g., paediatrician, speech therapy, occupational therapy). You can also discuss your concerns on the day of your appointment with the team. It may be helpful for your child to be referred for further assessment. Further information on the ADHD assessment can be found here ADHD Service – St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust