If my child has Autism
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with other people. People with autism also experience a need for sameness or familiarity that leads to them having, for example, unusually strong interests and/or rigid behaviour. Autism is also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Autism has had various different names in the past (e.g. Asperger’s, classic autism). No two people with ASD have the same signs and symptoms. Many things can play a role, such as language delays, thinking and learning problems, and behavioural challenges. For this reason, autism is described as a "spectrum".
Please find below some links and resources that can help explain the condition in more detail as well as offer support and advice:
MAPS (Merton Autism Parent Service)
MAPS is a listening, support, information and advice service for parents of 0 – 25 year olds
with a diagnosis of autism or who are likely to receive a diagnosis (e.g. referred for an assessment).
