Autism is classed as a disability, with lifelong neurodivergence meaning individuals think, feel and communicate with themselves, other people and the world differently.

At its core, autism presents as difficulties with social interactions, communication, and restrictive or repetitive behaviours. Sensory processing needs are often indicators of autism, as well as PDA, although these are considered profile presentations rather than diagnostic criteria.

One of the difficulties with autism is the complexity around diagnosis, co-morbidity and public/media descriptions suggesting that ‘everyone is on the spectrum’. I like to think of the spectrum not as a straight line of traits, but as a dart board. Imagine reaching, carefully, into a bucket full of darts with all the traits and expressions of autism in it, then throwing your handful at the dart board…that would be your experience of autism, another handful would be a different experience of the spectrum for someone else.

Co-morbidity is a problem because of the overlap between autism and other clinical disorders and mental health presentations. Stimming in autism could also look like fidgeting in ADHD, both intended to self sooth. Hyperfocus and rigidity of thinking in autism can also look like intensity in ADHD. This is why I follow the latest movement suggesting many of these diagnoses exist under an umbrella of neurodiversity - all different ways of thinking/feeling/communicating – such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia.

PAUSE TO CONSIDER

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and trauma-related conditions such as PTSD or C-PTSD can appear very similar due to overlapping social, emotional, and behavioural features. Both may involve sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, social withdrawal, repetitive behaviours, and emotional dysregulation, which can lead to misdiagnosis. The key difference is that autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition present from early childhood, whereas trauma responses develop after distressing events. Careful, specialised assessment is essential, as trauma can mimic or coexist with autism.