Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is the diagnostic name for autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference in social communication and sensory experience, often with a strong preference for routine and focused interests.

Autism spectrum disorder is what DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 call it. Many autistic adults prefer 'autistic' or 'autism' in everyday use, and so do we. The diagnosis covers two areas. Social communication and interaction. Restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities, which includes how you respond to sound, light, touch and other sensory input.

'Spectrum' does not mean a line from mild to severe. It means autistic people differ from each other a great deal. In adults, autism often looks like a person who studied the social rules and follows them carefully, then needs hours alone to recover.

An assessment looks at your development from early childhood. That is why we ask for someone who knew you then, where that's possible.