SEND Advice
Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a way of experiencing the world differently. It affects how people communicate, interact, and process things like sounds, lights, and feelings.
It’s not an illness or something that needs ‘fixing’ – it’s just a different way of thinking and being.
Everyone’s experience of autism is unique, which is why it’s called a spectrum.

What are the Signs of Autism?
Autism looks different for everyone, but here are some common signs:
Social
Finding social situations tricky or exhausting, or difficulty understanding social cues
Change
Struggling with change, or needing routines to always be the same or planned out
Intense
Intense focus on specific interests, topics or hobbies
Sensory
Sensory sensitivities (eg. certain noises, lights, textures feeling overwhelming)
Time
Needing extra processing time for conversations or instructions
Check out our Autism articles



Autism and You
Being autistic doesn’t mean you have to change who you are – it’s about understanding yourself better, and finding ways to make life work for you.
Whether that’s through routines, special interests, support networks, or just knowing why you experience the world differently, you deserve to live in a way that feels right for you.

Wondering if you're autistic?
Wondering if you’re autistic? Getting a diagnosis can help explain things and get support if you need it. The process usually involves:
- Talking to your GP or someone who can refer you for an assessment
- Meeting with specialists who ask questions and listen to your experiences
- Receiving a diagnosis, or not. But either way, it’s about understanding yourself better.
You don’t need a diagnosis to be autistic – some people find it helpful, others don’t. It’s totally up to you.
Learn more on the Kids website
The Kids website has a selection of articles, workshops and more to help you, parent and carers navigate autism
- Articles about autism, ADHD, and SEND in education
- Workshops and online support for parents and carers to attend

Some useful links...
These sites might be useful for you to explore and discover different aspects of autism