What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes the world around them. It’s called a “spectrum” because the ways autism presents vary widely between individuals. Some people with autism may need very little support and can live independently, while others might require significant assistance in their daily lives.
Autism doesn’t fit neatly into categories like “mild” or “severe.” Instead, each individual will experience autism in their own way, and their needs may change over time and in different situations. For instance, some children might excel in school but struggle with social interactions, while others may find academic tasks more challenging but thrive in creative or technical pursuits. It’s important to recognise that no two people with autism are alike, even if they share similar diagnoses.
Autism can affect various aspects of life, from social interactions and communication to sensory experiences and behaviours. These differences can be particularly evident in settings like school or work, where social norms and expectations are prevalent. However, many people with autism also have unique strengths, such as strong attention to detail, exceptional memory, or deep knowledge of specific subjects.
While autism is a lifelong condition, with the right support and interventions, many of the challenges it presents can be managed. These strategies are not about changing the individual but about reducing distress, enhancing quality of life, and allowing people with autism to engage with the world as their true selves.
Generally diagnosed around age 5, with symptoms noticeable from around 2
1% of people are diagnosed with autism, but the true number is likely to be much higher as many do not have a diagnosis
Boys are 4 times as likely to be diagnosed as girls
Often associated with other neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD or dyslexia, and with other neurodevelopmental issues like epilepsy
What causes it?
The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary widely, reflecting the broad range of experiences among autistic people. One of the core characteristics of autism is difficulty with social communication and interaction. This can manifest in many ways, such as struggling to understand social cues, body language, or the emotions of others. Some people with autism may find it hard to maintain conversations, while others might talk at length about topics of personal interest, sometimes without noticing that the listener is not equally engaged.
Autistic people often have a different way of experiencing the world, which can make everyday situations challenging. Sensory sensitivities are common; bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or certain textures might feel overwhelming and lead to discomfort or anxiety. For some, sensory input can be too intense, while others may seek out certain sensations for comfort, such as enjoying repetitive movements or sounds.
Another hallmark of autism is repetitive behaviours or ‘stimming’. These might include hand flapping, rocking, or tapping. Stimming can help people with autism manage stress or regulate their emotions, offering a sense of comfort and predictability in an otherwise unpredictable world.
Many people with autism also develop deep, focused interests, sometimes referred to as “special interests.” These can range from an intense fascination with trains or animals to deep dives into subjects like mathematics, history, or technology. These focused interests can be a source of joy and fulfilment, and for some, they can lead to academic or career success. For example, many autistic individuals bring valuable skills to industries that benefit from attention to detail and specialised knowledge, such as technology or engineering.
However, living with autism can also bring challenges, particularly in a world designed for neurotypical people. Social situations, changes in routine, and sensory overload can cause anxiety, sometimes leading to meltdowns—periods of overwhelming stress where the person temporarily loses control of their emotions or behaviour. Meltdowns can involve shouting, crying, or physical actions like hitting or biting, and they are often misunderstood by others as bad behaviour rather than a response to stress.
In contrast, some people with autism may experience shutdowns, where they withdraw completely and become unresponsive. Both meltdowns and shutdowns are exhausting and can have a significant emotional toll on the individual and those around them.
Autism often coexists with other conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD, which can compound difficulties in environments like school or work. Without appropriate support, these challenges can lead to a range of outcomes, including poor academic performance, unemployment, or social isolation.
What are the symptoms & effects?
The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary widely, reflecting the broad range of experiences among autistic people. One of the core characteristics of autism is difficulty with social communication and interaction. This can manifest in many ways, such as struggling to understand social cues, body language, or the emotions of others. Some people with autism may find it hard to maintain conversations, while others might talk at length about topics of personal interest, sometimes without noticing that the listener is not equally engaged.
Autistic people often have a different way of experiencing the world, which can make everyday situations challenging. Sensory sensitivities are common; bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or certain textures might feel overwhelming and lead to discomfort or anxiety. For some, sensory input can be too intense, while others may seek out certain sensations for comfort, such as enjoying repetitive movements or sounds.
Another hallmark of autism is repetitive behaviours or ‘stimming’. These might include hand flapping, rocking, or tapping. Stimming can help people with autism manage stress or regulate their emotions, offering a sense of comfort and predictability in an otherwise unpredictable world.
Many people with autism also develop deep, focused interests, sometimes referred to as “special interests.” These can range from an intense fascination with trains or animals to deep dives into subjects like mathematics, history, or technology. These focused interests can be a source of joy and fulfilment, and for some, they can lead to academic or career success. For example, many autistic individuals bring valuable skills to industries that benefit from attention to detail and specialised knowledge, such as technology or engineering.
However, living with autism can also bring challenges, particularly in a world designed for neurotypical people. Social situations, changes in routine, and sensory overload can cause anxiety, sometimes leading to meltdowns—periods of overwhelming stress where the person temporarily loses control of their emotions or behaviour. Meltdowns can involve shouting, crying, or physical actions like hitting or biting, and they are often misunderstood by others as bad behaviour rather than a response to stress.
In contrast, some people with autism may experience shutdowns, where they withdraw completely and become unresponsive. Both meltdowns and shutdowns are exhausting and can have a significant emotional toll on the individual and those around them.
Autism often coexists with other conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD, which can compound difficulties in environments like school or work. Without appropriate support, these challenges can lead to a range of outcomes, including poor academic performance, unemployment, or social isolation.
How can it be managed?
Autism is not something that needs to be “fixed” or “cured.” Many people within the autism community prefer to think of autism as a natural variation in how people experience and interpret the world, rather than a disorder that requires treatment. Instead, the focus should be on supporting autistic individuals in ways that allow them to navigate the world successfully while remaining true to themselves.
Some people with autism find it helpful to manage co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression with medication. These medications don’t alter the underlying autistic traits but can ease symptoms that make daily life more challenging. For instance, anxiety medication might help reduce the stress associated with sensory overload, or medication for ADHD might help with focus and attention.
Getting an autism diagnosis can be an important step for many people, providing a clearer understanding of their experiences and access to support services. Some may prefer to self-identify as autistic without seeking a formal diagnosis, and both approaches are valid. A diagnosis can open doors to educational or workplace accommodations, financial support, and access to specialised therapies.
Support systems and adjustments are crucial for helping people with autism live fulfilling lives. In schools, tailored interventions such as sensory breaks, visual supports, and one-on-one assistance can help autistic students engage with the curriculum and succeed academically. Similarly, workplace adjustments, like flexible schedules or quiet workspaces, can allow autistic adults to thrive in their careers.
For some, traditional employment might not be the best fit, and self-employment or freelance work may offer greater flexibility and autonomy. This can allow autistic individuals to structure their work environments in ways that suit their needs, helping them use their strengths to achieve success.
An important part of managing life with autism is understanding the impact of “masking,” or suppressing autistic traits to blend in with neurotypical peers. While masking can help autistic people navigate social or professional situations, it often comes at a significant emotional cost, leading to burnout, anxiety, or depression. Recognising the toll that masking takes and providing environments where autistic people feel safe to be themselves is essential to their well-being.
How can hypnotherapy help?
At Inspired To Change, we work with many clients on the autism spectrum who find that solution-focused hypnotherapy aligns well with their goals and needs. Hypnotherapy can be particularly beneficial for managing the stress and anxiety that often accompany autism.
In our sessions, we focus on helping clients understand how their brain responds to stress and how to build resilience. This can involve recognising their natural strengths and using them to manage challenges more effectively. By teaching clients how to enter a deep state of relaxation during hypnotherapy, we can help them calm an overactive nervous system, which is often a source of discomfort for autistic individuals.
Clients often report that hypnotherapy helps them feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions, enabling them to face social situations, work challenges, or personal anxieties with greater confidence. The process of hypnotherapy is not about changing who they are but about helping them harness their strengths and cope with the difficulties they face in a neurotypical world.
Our sessions are tailored to each client’s individual needs. Whether someone is looking to manage anxiety, improve focus, or feel more comfortable in social settings, hypnotherapy offers a flexible and supportive approach. Many clients find that using relaxation techniques outside of sessions, such as listening to audio recordings, helps them maintain a sense of calm and control in their daily lives.
Our Autism Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
