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  • life-with-autism
  1. About Autism
  2. Being Autistic

Being Autistic

Whether you are autistic or recognise one of the many Neurodiverse differences in yourself, or you are a family member or friend of someone who may benefit from having additional support, this section explains more about autism and answers some frequently asked questions.

What is the cause of autism?

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There have been many theories around autism that have come and gone, or moved on. But some of these theories have become ingrained in our cultural and professional way of thinking and, in turn, reinforced notions that autism has a ‘cause’ and can, therefore, be cured.

In actual fact, autism is ‘caused’ by hundreds of different genes working together, is genetic, and becoming more widely accepted as heritable.

Published: 29th October, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

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How does autism affect people?

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In essence, an autistic person will see, process and understand the world in a different way from someone who isn’t autistic, for all of their life.

While there may be some commonalities between autistic people - such as finding it difficult to be in or read social situations - it's important to remember that an autistic person is still a person and will therefore have their own personality, as well as different strengths, abilities and interests, as do all humans.

Published: 30th October, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

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How many people are autistic?

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Previously it was thought that around 1% of the population will be autistic - which is one in 100 people. However, it’s now widely accepted that these statistics are outdated, and certainly from our experience, we believe this to be much higher. 

Published: 31st October, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

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What is the difference between a learning difficulty and a disability?

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Learning disability – is a general term that refers to individuals who find it harder to learn, understand and communicate. Other terms that are used to describe an individual’s situation include complex needs or high support needs.

Learning difficulty – is often used in educational settings and refers to individuals who have specific problems with learning as a result of either medical, emotional or language problems. Children and young people requiring special education needs (SEN) are often described as having a learning difficulty.

Published: 2nd November, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

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What benefits am I entitled to?

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You may be entitled to claim:

• Income or Employment Status
• Disability Living Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Extra Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit or Council Tax reductions
• Universal Credit

Published: 3rd November, 2015

Updated: 3rd April, 2020

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What is an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)?

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An Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document which sets out a description of your child's needs (what he or she can and cannot do) and what needs to be done to meet those needs by education, health and social care. 

Regarding Special Educational Needs & Disability, Code of Practice:

  • Young people can now specify an Independent Specialist Provider on their Education Health Care (EHC) Plan.
  • Post-16 providers can be invited to a young person’s review from Year 9 onwards. 
  • Parents and young people do not need to apply for and be rejected from a General Further Education college (GFE) before requesting a specialist provider. 
  • Personal budgets can be included within EHC Plans.
  • Personal budgets can be used to purchase our short-breaks services.
  • Children and Young People must be the centre of their own EHC Plan.
  • You can download education local offers.

Published: 3rd November, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

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How can the North East Autism Society help?

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We use a person-centred approach to understand and support autistic people. This helps us to develop and deliver strategies for each individual to help them to grow and develop according to their aspirations.

We have schools, a further education college, residential homes, short breaks accommodation, day services, employment services, family support, supported living and free services that include toddler groups, parent workshops, youth groups and online groups.

Published: 5th November, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

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Showing 10 of 7

Latest

  • Catbells climb raises money for North East Autism Society

    Catbells climb raises money for North East Autism Society

    Adults and staff from Number 14 were cheered by other walkers as they scaled the Lake District mountain to raise £950 for the charity.

  • A care job like no other

    A care job like no other

    Katie Moffat, 21, is part of a team supporting a young man to have as fulfilling and independent a life as possible in his own home in Bedlington.

  • I didn't lose my son .. I gained a family

    I didn't lose my son .. I gained a family

    Mum Angela Maughan pays tribute to residential care staff at the North East Autism Society for the life-changing support they have given her and her son Kelvin.

  • We help people do what they love

    We help people do what they love

    Supporting autistic individuals and their families to do their own thing is a source of pride for Jan Patterson, Area Manager for Family Support in North Tyne.

Most read

  • 10 things you think you know about autism but actually don’t...

    The North East Autism Society is campaigning for autism acceptance.

  • Recruitment portal

    Recruitment portal

  • What is Autism?

    Autism is the word used to describe a lifelong difference in a person’s neurology. It’s very difficult to say exactly what ‘it’ is because it can’t be separated from the person.

  • Adult Day Services - ‏‏‎‎‏‏‎ New Warlands Farm

    Adult Day Services - ‏‏‎‎‏‏‎ New Warlands Farm

    Adult Day Services - New Warlands Farm is our purpose built vocational training centre based on the outskirts of Durham in 77 acres of farm and woodland.

  • Makaton

  • What are the signs and symptoms of possible autism?

  • Makaton Signs - Health and Wellbeing

  • Volunteering opportunities

    Volunteering opportunities

    Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people's lives. Taking time out to change things for the better can be great fun. Find out about the list of roles available and the benefits volunteering can have.

  • Why work for us?

    Why work for us?

    We recognise that the work we do wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team of dedicated employees. With opportunities within our care, education, employment and family support services, there’s a career for you at the North East Autism Society.

  • What We Believe

    What We Believe

    We provide a wide – and ever growing – range of services for autistic children, young people and adults, and those with other examples of neurodiversity.

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Make a donation

Make a donation

Help us to continue making a positive difference to the lives of autistic individuals, and their families, across the region. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 6th November, 2013

Updated: 20th September, 2021

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North East Autism Society | 15 Lumley Court | Drum Industrial Estate | Chester-le-Street | County Durham | DH2 1AN


Tel: 0191 4109974 or E-mail: [email protected]

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