Autism

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how a person makes sense of the world around them.

Autism is known as a spectrum condition both because of the range of difficulties that affect adults with autism and the way that these present in different people. This means that while some people can lead relatively independent lives, others will require significant support.

You can find out more about ASD on the NHS website (Opens in a new window)

Difficulties Faced by People Living With Autism

People with autism have a wide spectrum of needs and, therefore, no two people are the same. Often people with autism have difficulty

understanding verbal and non-verbal communication, such as gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice;
recognising and understanding other people's feelings and managing their own;
understanding and predicting other people's intentions and behaviour and coping with new or unfamiliar situations.

Many people with autism may experience sensory sensitivity or under sensitivity to certain sounds, tastes, smells, colours or touch. Many people can also have other conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a learning disability, dyspraxia, dysphasia and difficulties understanding the spoken word.

Getting a Diagnosis

A diagnosis is the formal identification of autism. This will be done by a health professional such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Having a diagnosis is helpful for two reasons:

It helps people with autism, and their families, to understand why they may experience certain difficulties and what they can do about them.
It enables people to access services and support.

Your GP can refer you to a diagnostic service.

You can find out more about diagnosis on the NHS website (Opens in a new window)

Our 'Keeping People Safe' section has lots of Advice and information to help you keep safe when you are out and about.

Go to our 'Keeping People Safe' section here

Hull Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board

The Hull Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (HSAPB) is a statutory board formed under the Care Act 2014. It consists of senior members from Hull City Council, Humberside Police and Hull NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

Access the Hull Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board website (Opens in a new window)

The National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society is a UK charity that provides information, advice and support to people with autism.

Access the National Autistic Society website for more information (Opens in a new window)

They also offer a free to call from your land line - Autism Help Line - which operates Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, and 9am to 3pm on Fridays

telephone: 0808 800 104
text: 07903 200 200
minicom service: 0845 070 4003

The Autism Alliance

The Autism Alliance strive to support, raise awareness and increase understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions throughout the UK to allow all affected by autism to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Visit the Autism Alliance website to find out more (Opens in a new window)

Autistic UK

Autistic UK is a collection of people, from all backgrounds and parts of the UK, each with a story to tell, and a passion that drives them. If you want to find out more about us, you have certainly come to the right place!

Visit the Autistic UK website here (Opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can contact them by email at info@autisticuk.org (Opens in a new window)

There are also a number of organisations that you can access for information, advice and support. You can also find Autism friendly activities in our community directory.

Access the community directory here

The National Autistic Society Hull and East Riding Branch

The National Autistic Society also has a local point of contact for you if you live in Hull or the East Riding. They are able to offer support to people with Autism or Asperger syndrome.

Visit the National Autistic Society Hull and East Riding Branch website for more information (Opens in a new window)

Alternatively you can contact them via –

email: hulleastriding@nas.org.uk (Opens in a new window)
telephone 07917 040 380

Autism Plus

Autism Plus is a charity that supports adults and young people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health conditions across Yorkshire and Humber.

Access the Autism Plus website to find out more (Opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can contact them via –

email: ingsplus@autismplus.co.uk (Opens in a new window)
telephone: 01482 795 700

Matthew's Hub

Matthew's Hub is a support service for autistic people without a learning disability aged 13 or over, living in Hull or East Riding who have, or are waiting for a diagnostic assessment.

They provide advice and support in relation to employment, education, housing, benefits, health, and diagnosis.

Visit Matthew's Hub website to find out more (Opens in a new window)

Or alternatively, you can contact them via -

email: hello@matthewshub.org
telephone: 01482 221 028

FiND

FiND is a local organisation that offers holiday clubs and activities for people with a learning disability

Visit the FiND's website to find out more (Opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can contact them via –

email: info@findcharity.org.uk (Opens in a new window)
telephone: 01482 870 785

Next Learning Disability

Last updated: 2018/10/31