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The SIAA Autism and Advocacy Awareness Project has now ended.   

What is an Autistic Spectrum  Disorder?


Autistic Spectrum Disorder (A.S.D.) is a term used to describe a complex developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates, relates to and understands the world around them. We describe it as a spectrum to highlight the individual difference, differing abilities and wide ranging diagnoses given the label of A.S.D. The A.S.D label includes those diagnosed with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Autism was first identified in the 1940’s yet is still a relatively misunderstood condition. Autistic spectrum disorders are estimated to touch the lives of over 500,000 families throughout the UK. There are no physical characteristic associated with A.S.D. which means the condition is considered a hidden disability.

New research shows that as many as 1 in 100 people could have an autistic spectrum disorder (A.S.D.); many of these people receive little or no services and often find it difficult to access advocacy because they are undiagnosed or do not have an associated learning difficulty. “The Same As You?” National Implementation Group have also reported in their advocacy review that  advocacy organisations should be doing more to ensure those with A.S.D. access independent advocacy.

For more information about Autistic Spectrum Disorders go to the links below. 

National Autistic Society

The Scottish Society for Autism  

National Centre for Autism Studies at Strathclyde University

 

 

 

 

 

 
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