What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong way of functioning that typically appears in early childhood and produces differences in preferred ways of interacting and managing the world. It may also produce differences in social interaction, communication and social motivation.
It is understood that autistic people tend to see, hear and feel the world differently from the people around them and may navigate the world more pre-dominantly through their senses. Although the differences between autistic people are as varied as those between ‘neurotypical’ others, there are some common ways of responding, communicating and behaving that are assessed as autistic. Some autistic people, in addition, may have learning difficulties, mental health issues or other concerns that require specific support.
Autistic people may misinterpret both verbal and non-verbal cues and therefore may have learned to work harder in social situations, which can lead to exhaustion. Others may prefer to interact with a small number of others they feel comfortable with. Reading between the lines and recognising the feelings or intentions of others may not come naturally to autistic individuals although they can be straightforward and direct, which is often appreciated by those close to them.
As an autistic child, teenager and adult recognising and expressing feelings can be more challenging, as can emotional regulation. This is thought to be due to emotional processing differences and an inability to sense physical symptoms. Many autistic people also express a preference for predictability and routines in order to alleviate the anxiety that may come with change.
Autism is a lifelong way of functioning that typically appears in early childhood and produces differences in preferred ways of interacting and managing the world. It may also produce differences in social interaction, communication and social motivation.
It is understood that autistic people tend to see, hear and feel the world differently from the people around them and may navigate the world more pre-dominantly through their senses. Although the differences between autistic people are as varied as those between ‘neurotypical’ others, there are some common ways of responding, communicating and behaving that are assessed as autistic. Some autistic people, in addition, may have learning difficulties, mental health issues or other concerns that require specific support.
Autistic people may misinterpret both verbal and non-verbal cues and therefore may have learned to work harder in social situations, which can lead to exhaustion. Others may prefer to interact with a small number of others they feel comfortable with. Reading between the lines and recognising the feelings or intentions of others may not come naturally to autistic individuals although they can be straightforward and direct, which is often appreciated by those close to them.
As an autistic child, teenager and adult recognising and expressing feelings can be more challenging, as can emotional regulation. This is thought to be due to emotional processing differences and an inability to sense physical symptoms. Many autistic people also express a preference for predictability and routines in order to alleviate the anxiety that may come with change.
Females & Autism
Women and girls are particularly under diagnosed and their early symptoms may have gone missed by those around them, especially if presenting with no intellectual impairment. They may tend to exhibit less difficulties when younger due to masking and learning how to act and behave in a range of situations. From a young age, females with autism may present as shy and eager to please. However, the toll of masking can be enormous and present later in secondary school as symptoms of functional pain, self-harm and increased absence, as the social and sensory challenges of the environment become overwhelming. The effort of trying to fit in with others, yet feeling different, can lead to isolation and feelings of distress.
Without understanding and treatment, females can go on to become misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and a wide range of eating disorders.
Dr Emma Field has diagnosed many females with autism, spanning from a young age to those diagnosed later in life. She values all of their lived experiences, seeking to understand, support and provide a neuro-affirmative perspective.
Why assess and diagnose?
Early diagnosis of ASD can provide a better understanding of an individuals challenges and strengths and improve the understanding of those around them. It can also provide access to support both educationally and vocationally. Additionally, our autism assessment can provide access to funding and resources for support.
If you, or someone you care for, is affected by the differences or difficulties described here, ADHD Scotland can help you decide whether an assessment for Autistic Spectrum Disorder is an appropriate choice for you. We encourage booking in a pre-assessment first to explore your symptoms of autistic spectrum condition.
Early diagnosis of ASD can provide a better understanding of an individuals challenges and strengths and improve the understanding of those around them. It can also provide access to support both educationally and vocationally. Additionally, our autism assessment can provide access to funding and resources for support.
If you, or someone you care for, is affected by the differences or difficulties described here, ADHD Scotland can help you decide whether an assessment for Autistic Spectrum Disorder is an appropriate choice for you. We encourage booking in a pre-assessment first to explore your symptoms of autistic spectrum condition.
