What is autism?
Autistic Spectrum Condition, sometimes known as autism, is a lifelong condition that affects how a person: communicates with, and relates to other people, and perceives the world.
There are several names for autism:
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the medical name for autism
- autism spectrum condition (ASC) is used by many people instead of ASD
- Asperger's (or Asperger syndrome) is sometimes used to describe autistic people with average or above average intelligence.
For more information about autism, visit the National Autistic Society website.