Autism

Some autistic people may not speak, or may use only a few words.
Others may have strong language skills but still find social situations difficult.

Autistic people may show differences in non‑verbal communication, including:

• eye contact

• tone of voice

• speed of speech

• posture

• gestures

They may:

• find it hard to “read” other people

• need extra time to process information or answer questions

• use language in a more literal way

Autistic people are often:

• honest

• direct

• factual

They may prefer deep or meaningful conversations rather than small talk, and often appreciate clear and direct communication.

Many autistic people enjoy routine, predictability, and clear rules.

New situations or unexpected change can feel stressful.

Many autistic people have special interests.
They may:

• know a lot about a topic

• enjoy collecting or researching specific things

Some autistic people use repetitive movements, known as stimming.
Others may repeat words or phrases, known as echolalia.

These behaviours can:

• help with regulation

• provide comfort

• simply feel enjoyable

Many autistic people also experience sensory differences.

Noise

Some autistic people are very sensitive to sound.
They may find loud or busy places distressing and may notice sounds others do not.

Texture

Some autistic people dislike certain fabrics or materials.
Some foods may be difficult to eat because of texture or mouth feel.

Pain

Some autistic people appear less sensitive to pain.
They may:

• have a higher pain threshold

• not notice injuries straight away

Every autistic person has their own strengths and challenges.

Neurodiversity means people experience, think about, and interact with the world in different ways.

There is no single “right” way to think, learn, or communicate.

Many people now talk about autism in a more positive way.
Autism is seen as a natural difference, not something that needs to be “fixed”.

Everyone avoids demands sometimes.

Here, demand avoidance is used to describe a strong and ongoing resistance to everyday demands.

These can include:

• essential demands, such as eating or sleeping

• expected demands, such as going to school, college, or work

Demand avoidance is often discussed in relation to some autistic people, but it can also be seen in other neurodivergent people.

At the moment:

• there is very little research

• much of the research is low quality

• many questions are unanswered

Common questions include:

• how should it be defined?

• how is it identified?

• how common is it?

• why does it occur?

• what support works best?

These topics are still debated and under‑researched.

In Wirral, adults aged 16 and over can request an autism assessment through their General Practitioner (GP).

Assessments are usually offered through local NHS adult autism assessment services.

These services typically assess people who are:

• not already supported by specialist mental health services

• not open to learning disability services

If someone is already supported by a specialist service, that team may assess autism if it is clinically appropriate.

Your GP can explain:

• local referral pathways in Wirral

• what information is needed

• expected waiting times

Not every autistic person wants a formal diagnosis, and that choice should be respected.

For some people, a diagnosis can:

• help them understand themselves better

• explain why they have felt different

• help others understand their needs

• support access to services or adjustments

• help workplaces make reasonable adjustments

• help people connect with other autistic people

A diagnosis can also help someone recognise their strengths and abilities.

An autism assessment helps explore a person’s:

• experiences

• differences

• difficulties

• strengths

The assessment team considers whether autism is a good explanation for these experiences.

If appropriate, your GP can complete a referral to the local adult autism assessment service.

Referrals usually include:

• clear examples of differences or difficulties

• reasons why an assessment is needed

It can help to prepare notes before your GP appointment.

Autism has often been described as more common in boys.
However, autism can look different in girls and young women.

Girls may show:

• more subtle social communication differences

• strong masking or copying of others

• good rule‑following in school

Autistic traits can be missed when girls:

• have supportive friendships

• like school structure

• appear quiet, compliant, or well‑behaved

Some girls:

• copy social behaviour rather than use instinct

• apologise quickly

• try to repair social situations

Masking can be exhausting.
Stress may appear more at home than at school.

Girls may:

• want social contact

• follow others rather than initiate

• have one very intense friendship

• avoid attention

As girls get older, awareness of differences may increase, adding to anxiety or stress.

Information for young people about autism and diagnosis:

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• https://www.bristolautismsupport.org/all-about-your-autism-diagnosis/

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Resources for girls and women with autism

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• Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome — Rudi Simone

• Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum — Nichols, Moravcik & Tetenbaum

• Making Sense of Sex — Sarah Attwood

• The Hidden Curriculum — Myles, Trautman & Schelvan

• The Curly Hair Project: https://thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk/

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