Understanding autism

There are seven factsheets in our series about Autism Spectrum Condition that have been developed in Surrey. They were reviewed in April 2021. They aim to help people to better understand the strengths and needs of autistic people.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

People think, process information, and experience the world differently. This can lead to difficulties with communication, relationships and thinking and behaving flexibly.

This Autism Spectrum Conditions (PDF) factsheet aims to give you a basic understanding about people with autism.

Diagnosis

There are different ways to get a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) for people who have a learning disability and for people who do not have a learning disability.

This Diagnosis for adults in Surrey (PDF) factsheet explains about the Autism Spectrum (ASC) diagnosis services in Surrey.

Communication

Most people with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) will have some difficulties communicating with and understanding other people. People often need to learn to communicate with others socially, it does not come naturally as it does for most people.

Read this communication and social interaction (PDF) guide to find out more about how autistic people may have difficulty and what can help.

Useful strategies for life

There are strategies and tips that can help people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) manage their daily lives.

This Useful strategies for life (PDF) factsheet describes some of the strategies and tips that may be helpful.

Social Care and community life

This factsheet is currently being reviewed.

Health services and support

Some people with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) have difficulty letting other people know when they are unwell. It is important that people with ASC have the support they need to use primary health care services.

This Health services and support (PDF) factsheet describes provides helpful information about how to aces healthcare.

Stories from people with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)

The best people to help others understand the needs of people with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) are people who have ASC.

The three stories in this Autism Spectrum Conditions (PDF) factsheet are real people's stories.

Turn it down for Autism

For Autism week, we are asking people to 'Turn it down for Autism'.

This was highlighted as an important issue by the Autism Partnership Board Reference group and is linked to the work that is being done on autism friendly communities. Take a look at the Turn It Down For Autism (PDF) flyer and spread the word in your own communities.

Files available to download

• Autism Spectrum Conditions (PDF)
  Fact sheet about autism spectrum conditions, the Autism spectrum, difficulties people may have and useful websites.
• Diagnosis for adults in Surrey (PDF)
  Fact sheet on the Autism Spectrum, how to get referred, and what happens when meeting with an Autism specialist.
• Communication and social interaction (PDF)
  Fact sheet describing the challenges people with an autism spectrum condition may have communicating with and understanding other people
• Useful strategies for life (PDF)
  Fact sheet about strategies and tips that can help people with an autistic spectrum condition manage their day to day lives
• Health services and support (PDF)
  Fact sheet describing how people with an autistic spectrum condition can get the support they need to use primary health care services.
• Surrey Autism Partnership Board: Our Stories (PDF)
  Rebecca, Daniel, and Jonathan share their stories living with Autism Spectrum Condition and how they cope living with their condition.
• Turn It Down For Autism Flyer (PDF)
  Information on ways you can help a people with Autism manage stress and noisy and busy environments.