Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of difficulty with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests. It's a spectrum condition, meaning that it affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

Core Characteristics (often identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition - DSM-5):

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history:

   • Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity: Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect, and a lack of initiation of social interaction.
   • Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction: Poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal³ communication; abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.
   • Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships: Difficulties adjusting behaviour to suit various social contexts, difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends, and absence of interest in peers.

2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history:

   • Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech: Simple motor stereotypies (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, spinning); lining up toys or flipping objects; echolalia (repeating words or phrases); idiosyncratic phrases.
   • Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualised patterns of verbal or nonverbal behaviour: Extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, and needing to take the same route or eat the same food every day.
   • Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus: Strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests.
   • Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment: Apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, and visual fascination with lights or movement.¹³

Other Important Considerations:

• Spectrum: The term "spectrum" highlights the wide range of presentations and levels of support needed by individuals with autism. Some individuals may have significant challenges in daily functioning, while others may have milder difficulties.
• Early Onset: Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities or may be masked by learnt strategies in later life).
• Not Better Explained: These difficulties are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay.
• Co-occurring Conditions: Autism frequently co-occurs with other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, sensory processing issues, and intellectual disabilities.
• Strengths: It's important to recognise that autistic individuals also possess unique strengths, which can include strong attention to detail, intense focus on areas of interest, and unique perspectives.
• Neurodiversity: Autism is increasingly understood through the lens of neurodiversity, which emphasises that neurological differences are natural human variations.

In summary, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, interaction, and behaviour, with a wide range of individual expressions and strengths. It is a lifelong condition that requires understanding, acceptance, and appropriate support.

If you suspect someone may be autistic, it's crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from qualified professionals for an accurate diagnosis. Early identification and intervention can significantly benefit autistic individuals.