Autism and ADHD information

Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people.

It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older.

If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life.

Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a "cure". But some people need support to help them with certain things.

Autistic people may act in a different way to other people

Autistic people may:

• find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
• find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
• find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
• get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
• take longer to understand information
• do or think the same things over and over

Watch: YouTube: NHS - We are autistic (opens new window).

To see a great comic strip example visit: The art of Autism: Understanding the spectrum – a comic strip explanation (opens new window).

We acknowledge that every autistic person is different and may prefer a different way of describing themselves, for example, 'person with autism', 'person on the autism spectrum', 'Autistic person'. Some might prefer to use the language that they were given at their diagnosis, including, 'Asperger syndrome'. For further details on terminology, please visit: How to explain autism to other people (autismunderstood.co.uk) (opens new window).

ADHD is a disorder that is defined through analysis of behaviour. People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development.

The relied on definition is set out by the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These criteria are presented in shortened form and are for information only. Diagnosis can only be done by a medical professional.

Inattention

Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:

• often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities
• often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities
• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (for example, loses focus, side-tracked)
• often has trouble organising tasks and activities
• often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)
• often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (for example, school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones)
• is often easily distracted
• is often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person's developmental level:

• often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
• often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
• often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless)
• often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly
• is often "on the go" acting as if "driven by a motor"
• often talks excessively
• often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
• often has trouble waiting their turn
• often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games)

Additional conditions

In addition to the symptoms listed under inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, the following conditions must be met:

• several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years
• several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities)
• there is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning
• the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder

Watch: YouTube: BBC Stories - ADHD: 'It's my superpower' (opens new window)

Disabled Children's Social Work Team (CYPDT)

The Children and Young People's Disability Team (CYPDT) is statutory service that focuses on the most vulnerable disabled children and young people in Wiltshire aged 0 to 25. It follows the social model of disability that challenges and seeks to support children and young people with disabilities to reach their full potential: enabling all children and young people to be included in their communities having access to opportunities in a way that minimises the impact of their disability.

For more information visit:

Disabled Children's Social Work Team (CYPDT)

Learning Disability and Autism Service (LDAS)

LDAS work with adults (aged 18 and over) who have a diagnosed learning disability and/or an Autistic Spectrum Condition who have social care needs. We may ask for confirmation of your diagnosis (for example, a GP letter).

We work alongside our colleagues in Wiltshire Health and Care Community Services, Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living, Wiltshire Service Users' Network amongst others.

For more information visit:

Learning Disability and Autism Service

Wiltshire Autism Hub

Wiltshire Autism Hub supports individuals 14+ years, with a diagnosis of Autism, living in Wiltshire. We provide direct assistance to help you with particular issues you might be facing, such as housing, or to help you achieve a specific goal, such as applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). We offer 1-2-1 support, peer group support and travel support. The hub was created to provide signposting to further advice and guidance to support individuals, families, parents, carers and professionals.

For more information visit:

Welcome to the Wiltshire Autism Hub (WAH) - Wiltshire Autism Hub (opens new window)

Wiltshire Parent Carer Council

The Wiltshire Parent Carer Council have also produced a guide full of information about services and support for Autism.

To read or download visit: 

Wiltshire Parent Carer Council: The Wiltshire Autism Information Pack (opens new window)

There are a number of ways you can get involved in sharing your experience's as an Autistic person to improve support and services:

• Wiltshire Autistic Community Forum is for people with lived experience and parent carers. The feedback and discussions held are reported from the Forum which then drives the focus of the Autism Partnership Board. New attendees are welcomed to attend and for more information about the Wiltshire Autistic Community Forum please email: autismpartnership@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or visit: Getting involved
• Wiltshire All-Age Autism Partnership Board meets quarterly and brings together representatives from individuals with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, parents, professionals, service providers and members of the voluntary sector to improve services available in Wiltshire to children, young people and adults with Autism and to raise awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions to the general public. More information can be found by visiting: Partnerships