Autistic people see the world in a different way to other people. They are often rigid and reserved and have difficulties building friendships and loving relationships because they find it difficult to understand other people’s feelings and emotions.

Many people with autism also have difficulties expressing how they feel and lack communication and social skills. Some autistic people have said that they find the world a very confusing and frightening place because they struggle to make sense of everything that goes on.

Autism affects different people in different ways. Some people have incredible concentration skills but struggle to be around other people or communicate how they are feeling, others are gifted when it comes to problem solving or learning dates or facts and some people never learn to speak and require 24 hour care.

Characteristics of autism

People with autism may display the following characteristics related to social development:

• People may appear to be aloof and withdrawn
• Children may appear to be introverted and independent
• People may have poor eye contact with other people
• Autism may cause people to appear as though they are in a world of their own; they may seem distant and disinterested
• People may not offer affection and may not want it in return
• People may get anxious and agitated in crowds or noisy environments
• Problems processing emotions and thoughts; people with autism struggle to interpret other people’s emotions and react appropriately
• Behavioural difficulties: children with autism may be disruptive at school because they have difficulty understanding social norms and rules
• Aggression and anger: some people with autism struggle to control and regulate their emotions and can often react angrily to certain situations and scenarios