Autism Spectrum Conditions
Evidence-based information about autism, characteristics, diagnosis and support resources.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder* (ASD) replaces previously diagnostic terms such as Asperger's Syndrome and Childhood Autism — DSM-V (APA, 2013) and ICD-11 (into effect in 2022) (WHO, 2018).
ICD-10 (WHO, 1992) used the following diagnostic labels: Asperger's Syndrome (Aspie), Childhood Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which are still used/valid in the UK.
For a diagnosis, differences need to be present in the early developmental period. However, as demands in life increase, this may become more noticeable.
- Differences in socialisation and communication.
- Differences in interests and repetitive patterns of behaviour.
Autism timeline
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in two main areas (APA, 2013):
1. Social communication and interaction
Differences include difficulties with reciprocal interaction and verbal/non-verbal communication — eye-contact, body language, facial expressions and gestures. These are frequently accompanied by challenges in making and maintaining friendships, understanding relationships, and sharing interests.
2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours (RRBs)
RRBs involve circumscribed interests, difficulties with change and repetitive motor movements. Hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory input is often present, including sensory seeking or adverse reactions to sensory stimuli.
(language from DSM-V)
Restricted Repetitive Behaviours (language from DSM-V)
Autism Strengths
Neurodiversity-affirming perspectives understand autism as a natural variation in human neurocognitive diversity rather than solely through deficit-based frameworks (Chapman, 2021; Walker, 2014). Many experiences associated with autism arise through interactions between autistic people and environments that are not designed to accommodate different ways of communicating, processing information, and engaging with the world (Chapman & Botha, 2023; Oliver, 1990). Research has also highlighted context-dependent strengths, including attention to detail, pattern recognition, analytical thinking, sustained focus, and deep engagement with areas of interest (Maw et al., 2024; Russell et al., 2019). Person-centred approaches emphasise understanding autistic lived experience, identity, and communication, whilst fostering mutual understanding, collaboration, and recognition of both strengths and support needs (Kapp, 2020; Milton, 2012).
Prevalence & Key Facts
current approximate male to female diagnosis ratio
Health and wellbeing
Autistic people are at higher risk of premature mortality, suicide, and physical health conditions including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, sleep disorders and neurological conditions. Early support and reasonable adjustments significantly improve outcomes. For more information visit NICE.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). APA Publishing.
Brugha, T. et al. (2011). Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders in adults in the community in England. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(5), 459–465.
Chapman R. (2021). Neurodiversity and the Social Ecology of Mental Functions. Perspectives on Psychological Science : A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science, 16(6), 1360–1372. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620959833
Chapman, R., & Botha, M. (2023). Neurodivergence‐informed therapy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 65(3), 310–317. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15384
Kapp, S. K. (Ed.). (2020). Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement Stories from the Frontline (1st ed.). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8437-0
Loomes, R., Hull, L., & Mandy, W. (2017). What is the male-to-female ratio in autism spectrum disorder? JAACAP, 56(6), 466–474.
Maw, K. J., Beattie, G., & Burns, E. (2024). Cognitive strengths in neurodevelopmental disorders, conditions and differences: A critical review. Neuropsychologia, 197, 108850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108850
Milton, D. E. M. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: The ‘double empathy problem’. Disability & Society, 27(6), 883–887. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2012.710008
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2024). Autism in adults: Background information: Prevalence. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/autism-in-adults/background-information/prevalence/
Oliver, M. (1990). The politics of disablement. Macmillan.
Russell, G., Kapp, S. K., Elliott, D., Elphick, C., Gweman-Jones, R., & Owens, C. (2019). Mapping the Autistic Advantage from the Accounts of Adults Diagnosed with Autism: A Qualitative Study. Autism in Adulthood : Challenges and Management, 1(2), 124–133. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2018.0035
Walker, N. (2014). Neurodiversity: Some basic terms and definitions. Retrieved, August 12, 2020, from http://neurocosmopolitanism.com/neurodiversity-some-basic-terms-definitions/
World Health Organization. (2018). ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics.
Unless otherwise stated, all original images were created by Nahory HM and AQ (2019). This excludes images, graphics, or other content accessed via external websites, news articles, or signposted resources.