Autism

Autism is more prevalent than many people think. The National Autistic Society notes that around 700,000 people in the UK may be on the autistic spectrum (which includes Asperger's Syndrome). This means more than 1% of the population. Autism has long been thought to be much more common in boys than in girls. However, recent research is challenging this traditional view. Dr Judith Gould (consultant clinical psychologist and director of the Lorna Wing Centre for Autism) says, "autism is more diverse than originally thought, with new ideas being put forward every day. In fact, it's a case of 'the more we know, the less we know', particularly in how gender affects individuals with autism. [...] We are yet to establish an accurate estimate of the prevalence of the male:female ratio." - quoted in Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2015) by Sarah Hendrickx, page 10

• Autism Booklet 2015 - A resource from RCNi

• Autism Helpline Information

• Autism Parenting Magazine

• Autism Services Directory Link

• Autism Skills and Knowledge for Workers in Generic Social Care and Health Services - A resource from Skills For Care

• Fragile X and Autism

• Herefordshire's Autism Strategy 2014-2017

• Dr Temple Grandin on Specialised Brains

• Do It Your Own Way

• NAS Good Practice Guides

• Support Groups

• Things Not to say to an Autistic Person