Understanding Autism

Socialising. For example, some autistic people might dislike eye contact. Other people might have a different sense of humour. Others might be very direct and clear in how they say things, or use an AAC (Augmentative and Alternate Communication) to communicate.

Sensations. Autistic people can experience sensations differently, such as noticing things others don’t or having strong positive or negative responses to certain stimuli e.g. being overwhelmed by crowds, getting distressed by loud noises, or feeling content and joyful when noticing different textures of plants while walking.

Emotions. Autistic people can experience emotions such as fear or happiness very intensely and can also display emotions in many different ways. For example, autistic people may use their body or vocal noises rather than facial expression or tone of voice to display how they feel, while others may internalise their feelings rather than openly demonstrating them. These differences can also make it confusing for some autistic people to interpret the emotions they experience or see in others.

Behaviours. Some autistic people like routine and dislike change, or might have a really strong interest (hyperfixation) in a particular topic. Autistic people may also move their hands and bodies in different repetitive ways, such as waving their hands, tapping their fingers or rocking their bodies. At times autistic people can use their voice in a similar repetitive way, making different sounds or repeating the same noise over and over. These types of behaviours are called 'stimming' - short for 'self-stimulating'. Stimming can be both calming and enjoyable for autistic people.

What is Asperger’s syndrome? In the past, ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ was one of the diagnoses for ASD. Some people still use this term or might describe themselves as ‘being aspie’ when talking about their own experiences of autism. 

What is a special interest? Autistic people often have narrower but deeper areas of interest than neurotypical people. Often autistic people will have a small number of topics which they are deeply passionate about, and which bring them great joy to learn about, talk about, or experience. These are called special interests.

What is masking? Masking is when an autistic person changes their behaviour, either consciously or subconsciously, to match neurotypical behaviours. It is often a result of being treated badly if they show their autistic traits. While in some settings it is safer for an autistic person to mask, it takes a huge amount of energy and can be very draining.

What is autistic burnout? When autistic people are pushed too hard (for example, not given the right supports, masking for too long) they can fall victim to autistic burnout. Autistic burnout usually lasts a few months, with reduced tolerance to stimulus (which may become a permanent issue), chronic exhaustion and loss of function.

What is stimming? ‘Stimming’, is a term that means ‘self-stimulating’ and refers to different behaviours that can help regulate or express emotions, process information, communicate, soothe and stimulate. Everyone stims sometimes, but autistic people stim a lot more often than neurotypicals, and are really good at it. These vary from person to person. 

What is hyperfixation? Autistic brains are often really good at focusing deeply on one thing at a time; they may struggle to split attention between topics. ‘Hyperfixation’ is being completely immersed in something to the exclusion of everything else. It's more common in autistic people and can be a great asset. In this state a great deal of learning, productivity and appreciation can take place. When hyperfixating it’s important to take time to look after your basic needs, and it can be difficult when other people or responsibilities seek your attention.