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

Being Autistic

This section explains more about autism and how a diagnosis can be positive.

What is the cause of autism?

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The cause of autism is unknown but there is strong evidence of genetic links.

It is a lifelong difference in a person’s neurology.

With the right support and acceptance those of us who are autistic can lead rewarding and fulfilling lives. 

Published: 29th October, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

Author: Colin Powell

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  • Your questions
  • Being Autistic
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How does autism affect people?

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Although there are core features in common in many individuals, their autism will affect them uniquely. It’s important to remember that a person with autism is still a person and will have their own personality. 

Published: 30th October, 2015

Updated: 5th November, 2015

Author:

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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 1 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 However, it’s now widely accepted that these statistics are outdated, and certainly from our experience, we believe this to be much, much higher. 

Published: 31st October, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

Author: Sally Squires

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  • Being Autistic
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Is autism a disability?

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On its own autism is not necessarily a disability, but it can be disabling. Often autistic people will be diagnosed with another co-occurring conditions and sometimes an additional learning disability or learning difficulty.

Published: 1st November, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

Author:

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  • Being Autistic
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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

Author: Lisa Taylor

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  • Being Autistic
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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

Author: Lisa Taylor

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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

Author: Lisa Taylor

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I would like to read about the experiences of people with autism, can you recommend any writers?

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Temple Grandin and Donna Williams provide a real insight into autism through their books.

Published: 4th November, 2015

Updated: 5th November, 2015

Author: Lisa Taylor

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How can the North East Autism Society help?

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We use a holistic, person-centred approach to understand and support autistic people. It 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: 30th March, 2020

Author: Chris Surtees

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Back to top

Showing 10 of 9

Latest

  • Everything’s better as a team

    Everything’s better as a team

    Melissa Hodgson and Holly Redden work together as Learning Support Assistants at Thornbeck College, and they agree that without the support of the team at the college, they could probably not do the job.

  • We Are Open

    We Are Open

    NEAS is continuing to provide a wide range of services to support autistic and neurodiverse people, and their families, during the biggest public health crisis in living memory.

  • Supporting families with autistic children - 16/03/21

    Supporting families with autistic children - 16/03/21

    Sessions are aimed at professionals supporting autistic children and their families in the education, social care and health sectors.

  • Supporting families with autistic children - 09/03/21

    Supporting families with autistic children - 09/03/21

    Sessions are aimed at professionals supporting autistic children and their families in the education, social care and health sectors.

Most read

  • 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.

  • Our sites

    Our sites

  • 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.

  • What we do

    What we do

    We help remove barriers to support individuals with autism and learning difficulties into employment. This new service has been designed to support both the individual, and also the employer.

  • Child Residential Care

    Child Residential Care

    We design individual programmes for each child or young person who stays in one of our residences to ensure their specific needs are met. We offer weekly, termly and 52 week residential placements.

  • 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.

  • Our Homes

    Creating a 'home from home' environment for autistic children and those with learning difficulties

  • Trampolining Sessions

    Trampolining Sessions

    Our FREE trampolining lessons are open to children, young people and adults with special needs.

  • Family Workshops

    Family Workshops

    Our workshops focus on empowering parents to use their natural skills to support their children in the home environment, enabling confidence, and opening parents up to a life as part of their community.

  • 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.

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Autism family workshops autism groups autism leisure activities autism respite care Autism workshops Befriending Children's residential care outreach support Parent and sibling workshops respite care short breaks Volunteering Volunteering opportunities
How to donate

How to donate

By giving a donation or regular gift you are supporting the vital work we do with children, young people and their families. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 6th November, 2013

Updated: 10th December, 2020

Author:

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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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