Myths

Causes

Signs

Mental health

Support others

Content Warning: Quoting of slur is written for informational purposes.

causes

Autism is a condition with no single known cause. It is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Other myths have speculated that autism can be caused by bad parenting, trauma and vaccines, which is strictly untrue. Ongoing research is focused on understanding the intricate interactions that lead to the onset of autism.

signs of autism

While the signs of autism can vary, they are typically grouped into three core areas: social communication difficulties, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and sensory processing issues.

Social communication difficulties

Autistic people often have a hard time making and keeping friends. They might find it tough to have back-and-forth conversations, read body language and understand social rules. They might not look people in the eye, fidget, use their hands a lot or prefer to be alone. All of this can make them feel left out and lonely.

Restricted and repetitive behaviours

Autistic people might do the same movements or say the same things repeatedly, stick to strict routines, or become really interested in specific topics or objects. Some autistic people may not like change and prefer predictability in their environment. These behaviours can help them feel better, but can also make it harder for them to do the things they need to do and be accepted by others.

Sensory processing

Autistic people may be hypersensitive to specific textures of clothing, loud noises or bright lights, leading to sensory overload and discomfort. On the other hand, some people might not react enough to certain sensory stimulation and might prefer deep pressure, intense touch sensations, or seek out strong flavours and textures in food.

diagnosing autism

Diagnosing autism can be quite tricky. This is because there is a lot of variability in how autism presents from person to person. For instance, research has shown that more men are diagnosed with autism compared to women. This could be because previous studies surrounding autism have primarily focused on men. Autistic women may also communicate differently from autistic men, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Children can be diagnosed with autism as early as age two, but not everyone receives an early diagnosis.

Social masking can be a reason why more men than women are diagnosed with autism. Social masking refers to the effort individuals put into concealing their difficulties in social situations, often by imitating or copying others to appear more ‘typical’ or ‘less autistic’. Studies have shown that women are more likely to mask, possibly because boys and girls are taught to behave differently from a young age.

In Scotland, getting an autism diagnosis can be difficult due to waiting times. It might look different depending on where you live, but it usually involves getting a GP appointment and then taking an autism assessment. You can read more about this on NHS Inform.

how does being autistic affect my mental health?

Autism is not an ‘illness’ or ‘disease’. As such, there is no ‘cure’ or ‘therapy’ for autism. However, being autistic can put you at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues.

Anxiety and depression

Recent studies show that autistic people are more likely to be living with anxiety or depression. For instance, studies have shown that autistic people are four times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime compared to those without autism. This may be due to factors such as negative attitudes from others, sensory challenges or a lack of appropriate support.

Burnout

Autistic people may be more likely to experience burnout in traditional work settings due to their heightened sensitivities. The sensory demands of the workplace can be overwhelming, leading to stress and exhaustion. This can affect the way they interact with their co-workers or managers, further making it difficult for them to progress in their careers.

Bullying and social isolation

Differences in communication or behaviour can make autistic people more likely to be targeted for bullying or excluded by others. These experiences, such as bullying and social isolation, can have a significant impact on mental health. Therefore, it is important that we take active steps to support the autistic community, ensuring they are included, respected and given the opportunities they need to thrive.

how can I support the autistic community?

1. Mind your language

One way that we can support the autistic community is through the language that we use. Here are some things to note about discussing autism and autistic people:

• Avoid calling it a ‘disorder’: You might be familiar with the term Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD. However, it is important to destigmatise the idea that autism is a disorder. Recent clinicians and the autistic community have been shifting to using more inclusive language. Instead, you can simply say ‘autism’.
• Say ‘autistic person’ instead of ‘person with autism’: Studies show that autistic people prefer ‘autistic person/people’ as it is less patronising and discriminatory. However, preferences vary so it is important to ask how people like to be referred to, just like with names or pronouns.
• Don’t say ‘high-functioning’, ‘low-functioning’, ‘severe’, ‘moderate’, ‘mild’ + autism: There are no set levels when it comes to autism. Some people might struggle with communication, while others might have difficulty focusing. Instead, focus on the specific needs of the autistic person.
• Don’t say that someone looks autistic: Autism does not have a look, nor can anyone look autistic. Autistic people look different in the same way that people around the world look different.
• Don’t say the r-word: Words like ‘retard’ or ‘retarded’ are slurs. Remember to be sensitive when it comes to language surrounding autism.

2. Be informed

It’s important to know that, even though autism is not a disorder, autistic people might still have mental health conditions. If you or someone you know shows signs of these conditions, getting a diagnosis is a key step to finding support. This helps in understanding and addressing any challenges for better wellbeing, such as providing additional support in school or the workplace.

For instance, you can support the autistic community at work by providing reasonable adjustments. This may be offering flexible schedules or quiet workspaces, promoting clear communication and boundaries (e.g., being direct about expectations) and offering mentorship programmes or support networks to foster guidance, belonging and professional growth.

3. Stand up for others

Taking a proactive stance in support of autistic people is critical. Championing the rights and dignity of others is a responsibility we all share. This involves not only recognising neurodiversity but also actively advocating for an inclusive society where everyone is treated with respect and understanding.

Autistic people are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which means it is unlawful to discriminate. If you or anyone you know is experiencing discrimination based on autism, it is essential to be aware of your or their rights and act.

To find out more about other practical tools and advice for supporting neurodivergent people, read our resource here.