Autism (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)
Introduction
Autistic individuals have a neurological difference that means they perceive, experience and interact with the world, communicate and socialise differently.
Autistic people share three main areas of difference:
The Autism Spectrum is not linear and while there may be some commonalities between autistic people, each should be viewed as a unique individual with strengths and differences that should be valued and supported.
Autistic people may have different support needs dependent on the environment.
Autistic people may have additional needs that arise from other conditions and differences. Examples of these differences are eating and sleeping patterns, and cooccurring conditions such as development coordination disorder, hypermobility, and mental health conditions.
Autistic people have strengths and differences in sensory processing and integration for example being hyper (over) or hypo (under) sensitive to sensory input, for example sound, touch, taste, smells, light or colour.
Autism is classified as a disability, defined by the as it has a long-term substantial effect on the individual's abilities to carry out day to day activities.
Not all autistic people will view themselves as being disabled.
National guidelines
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on autism which covers the recognition, referral, diagnosis, and management of autism in children, young people and adults:
Earlier Department of Health guidance and other documents
National Autistic Society guidance documents
Other Documents
Although published in 2009, and therefore somewhat dated, the National Audit Office Report Supporting People with Autism Through Adulthood remains one of the most important statements in relation to social policy and adult autism in the UK.
The report also presents some of the potential benefits and cost savings to be gained from better provision and specialised services.