Autism is where your brain develops differently to non-autistic people. It is not an illness or disease and there is no cure.
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. Everyone is different and autism affects people in different ways.
Autistic people have varying needs from 24 hour care to simply needing clearer communication and a little longer to do things.
The NHS website has useful information for people who are or may be autistic and may need support.
Local support
Find out more about the needs led neurodevelopmental pathway in:
Every young person and their family is different, and this means what you might need help with is different. The needs led neurodevelopment pathways sets out what support is available to help young people with what they are struggling with without having to wait for an assessment for example, sleep or behaviour.
Useful links
- YoungMinds
- Royal College of Psychiatrists Young People’s Mental Health
- National Autistic Society
- North Yorkshire, York and Selby The Go-To for Emotional wellbeing and mental health
- North East and North Cumbria Healthier Together
