'I'm autistic' 'I have autism' 'I'm on the autistic spectrum' 'I've been diagnosed with autism' 'I have Autism Spectrum Condition.'

You may now be asking yourself 'what does that mean for me?'

  Every person experiences the world around them in different ways. Some people seem to navigate the       social world easier than others, some people need some help, and that's ok. 

  Some people think that autism means people are not 'normal' or the same as everybody else.

  Being autistic just means you might experience things differently and those differences are unique to you just as everybody else's differences are unique to them.

So what is autism?

Watch the following video from the National Autistic Society to get more of an idea.

You might hear some people call it Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Other people might say Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger Syndrome.

  You might have read that autism is described as a lifelong, neurological difference of development that can affect the way a person communicates, interacts and processes the world around them. 

Some people may like or dislike certain noises, smells, textures. Some may be able to make friends and others find it really difficult, some might find learning more tricky and that's ok, we all need help with things sometimes. 

  The one thing to remember is that you're not doing anything wrong! This world can be very complicated and confusing but not impossible to navigate.

Watch the Amazing Things Happen video to help explain these differences.

Check out the Handy Handouts page that may help you find out what 'normal' means to you. 

Watch the following video by the youth patrons from Ambitious about autism explaining what autism means to them

 

What do you think about autism now? Awesome right?! Check out some other autistic people and celebrities who are just as awesome as you are!

     Dean Beadle "Being Dean: my autistic life" Speech Excerpt (2011)

  "My name is John Simpson.  I have Asperger Syndrome. Over the last five years I have delivered presentations at over 100 conferences, seminars and groups to change people's beliefs, expectations and approaches to autism spectrum conditions."John Simpson 

https://www.inspirationalautismtraining.com/my-mission

 

Take a look at "Spectrum Gaming" this was set up by a group of autistic advocates who wanted to create a friendly and accepting community for autistic people (aged 13 and above) who have a shared passion for gaming. Our main focus is for autistic gamers to have some fun, make some friends and show off what they can do!"

Other well-known autistic/maybe autistic people 

    

ANNE HEGARTY Asperger Syndrome A chaser on TV programme The Chase Also starred in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!	MAX PARK Rubik Cube Speed Champion Autism In 2018 he held world records for 4x4, 5x5, 6x6 and 7x7 cubes as well as the 3x3 one-handed!	BILL GATES Autistic traits (not confirmed) Founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975.	CHRIS PACKHAM Asperger Syndrome Wildlife Expert, TV Presenter, Author & Photographer
EMINEM Rapper, Record Producer, Actor Asperger Syndrome On February 13, 2022, Eminem performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.	SUSAN BOYLE Singer Asperger Syndrome Made famous when she appeared on Britain’s Got Talent As of 2021, she has sold 19 million records!	TEMPLE GRANDIN Autism American Scientist & Industrial Designer	ALBERT EINSTEIN Asperger Syndrome (not confirmed but Probable) Widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicists of all time. Einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity (basically about gravity!)
JESSICA-JANE APPLEGATE Asperger Syndrome British Paralympic swimmer She won the gold medal for setting a Paralympic record in the 200m freestyle event	DAVID CAMPION Autism Australian Snowboarder and has won silver and gold medals	Anthony Hopkins Asperger Syndrome VERY famous Actor	LIONEL MESSI Footballer (Possibly - no official diagnosis)