What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and processes the world around them. It’s called a ‘spectrum’ autism varies a lot between different people.
Some people with autism need very little support and can learn, work and live independently. Others might require lots of support in their daily lives. It’s important to recognise that no two people with autism are alike, even if they share similar diagnoses.
Each person will experience autism in their own way. Their needs may change over time and in different situations. For instance, some might excel in school but struggle with social interactions. Others may find academic tasks more challenging but thrive in creative or technical hobbies.
Autism can affect various aspects of life, from social interactions and communication to sensory experiences and behaviours. These differences are especially clear in places like school or work, where social norms and specific expectations are common. However, many people with autism also have unique strengths. They can have strong attention to detail, exceptional memory or deep knowledge of specific subjects.
With the right support, many of autism’s challenges can be managed. These strategies are not about changing a person. They reduce distress, improve quality of life and allow people with autism to live 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?
There is no known or definitive ‘cause’ of autism. Research shows that up to 80% of the risk of developing autism is genetic and it often runs in families. Some studies have also linked a higher risk to having older parents, low birthweight and higher levels of air pollution. Much more research is needed to establish these links.
In the 1990s, a false link was made between the childhood MMR vaccine and autism. This claim has since been proven wrong.
In around 25% of cases, autism occurs alongside other conditions. ADHD and epilepsy are common, but also learning difficulties, sensory processing disorders and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Problems with sleep, especially in childhood, and with gastrointestinal disturbances are also well documented.
When autism starts showing
People with autism are born with the condition. Their brain is structured in a different way to most people’s, and so it functions differently. These differences may not be noticeable until a child is around 2 years old. Their behaviours may be outside what is normal for their age and stage of development.
It can take some time for healthcare professionals to make a formal diagnosis of autism because the symptoms may be subtle. They may overlap with those of other disorders or simply be difficult to distinguish from normal childhood behaviour changes.
Gender and sexuality
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism in childhood. Women are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis much later in life. Autism’s traits usually appear differently in different genders, so girls have historically been less likely to receive a diagnosis. Research has shown that autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than neurotypical people.
Asperger’s and ‘high functioning autism’
Historically, some people would have had a diagnosis of ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ or ‘high functioning autism’. This terminology is no longer used and ‘spectrum disorder/condition’ is preferred. This better recognises that someone’s perception of their functioning may be different to how it is seen by society at large.
The prevalence of autism is thought to be stable across countries and cultures. However, research shows that black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are disproportionately unable to get a diagnosis. They are also more likely to experience difficulties in accessing the help and support they need. This can lead to isolation and increased challenge.
What are the symptoms & effects?
The symptoms of autism vary widely, reflecting the broad range of experiences among autistic people.
Social communication
One of the core characteristics of autism is difficulty with social communication and interaction. People with autism may struggle to understand social cues, body language or the emotions of others. Some find it hard to maintain conversations, while others can talk at length about topics of personal interest. However, sometimes they may not notice that the listener is not as engaged as them.
Sensory challenges
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.
Repetitive behaviours or ‘stimming’ might include hand flapping, rocking or tapping. Stimming can help people with autism manage stress or regulate their emotions. It offers a sense of comfort and predictability.
Special interests
Many people with autism 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.
Anxiety and stress for people with autism
Social situations, changes in routine and sensory overload can cause anxiety for some autistic people. These can sometimes lead 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. They are often misunderstood by others as bad behaviour, rather than a response to stress.
Some people with autism experience shutdowns, where they withdraw completely and become unresponsive. Both meltdowns and shutdowns are exhausting and can have a significant emotional toll on a person and those around them.
Autism often coexists with other conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD. This can increase someone’s difficulties in environments like school or work. Without appropriate support, people with autism are more likely to struggle with poor academic performance, unemployment or social isolation.
How can it be managed?
Many people in the autism community view autism as a natural variation in how people experience and understand the world. The focus should be on helping autistic individuals navigate the world. This support should allow them to stay true to themselves.
Diagnosis
Getting an autism diagnosis can be an important step for many people. It can offer 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.
Medication
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. Medication for ADHD might help with focus and attention.
School and workplace adjustments
Support systems and adjustments are crucial for helping people with autism live fulfilling lives. In schools, 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. Self-employment or freelance work may offer greater flexibility and autonomy. This can allow autistic people to structure their work environments in ways that suit their needs, helping them use their strengths to succeed.
Masking
An important part of managing life with autism is understanding the impact of ‘masking’. This is when people suppress autistic traits to blend in with neurotypical peers. Masking it very common and many people feel they have to mask to ‘fit in’. While masking can help autistic people navigate social or professional situations, it often comes at a large emotional cost.
Masking has been recognised as a key driver for ‘autistic burnout’. This is where the person reaches a stage of chronic, persistent stress, exhaustion and overwhelm. It impacts their ability to cope with life and limits their function. Masking can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Recognising the toll that masking takes is vital. Providing environments where autistic people feel safe to be themselves is essential to their wellbeing.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy for autism is not about changing who you are. It’s about helping you harness your strengths and cope with the difficulties you face in a neurotypical world.
We work with many people on the autism spectrum. They find that solution focused hypnotherapy fits their goals and needs well. It can be particularly beneficial for managing stress and anxiety.
We focus on helping people understand how their brain responds to stress and how to build resilience. This involves recognising your natural strengths and using them to manage challenges more effectively. By teaching you how to enter a deep state of relaxation during hypnotherapy, we can help you calm an overactive nervous system, which is often a source of discomfort for autistic people.
Clients often report that hypnotherapy for autism helps them feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions. This enables them to face social situations, work challenges or personal anxieties with greater confidence.
Our sessions are tailored to each person’s needs. Whether you are looking to manage anxiety, improve focus, or feel more comfortable in social settings, hypnotherapy offers a flexible and supportive approach. Many people 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
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Emma Bancroft
Rainham, Kent
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Victoria Anderson
County Durham
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.
