I WAS having a discussion with some delegates on a course I was teaching recently who, incorrectly, referred to Autism as a mental health condition. So, I thought I would use this week’s column to explain a little more about what Autism is and is not.

Autism is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate and interact with the world around them. It is not a mental health condition, but having Autism can have a significant impact on a person’s mental well-being.

People with Autism may experience challenges with social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, all of which can affect a person’s sense of mental well-being.

They may also be more likely to experience bullying or discrimination. This stigma around Autism can also contribute to poor mental health. People with Autism are often misunderstood, and seen as “different” and they may be treated as such. This can lead to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.

Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that there is a wide range of experiences within people who have Autism, from mild symptoms to others who may have more severe symptoms.

These days, signs of Autism in young children tend to get picked up routinely, and appropriate support can be given. However, there are a number of older children and adults who receive a late diagnosis. This can be due to many reasons, sometimes having been misdiagnosed with another condition, such as ADHD or anxiety. In some cases, individuals who receive a late diagnosis have developed coping mechanisms to navigate social situations, often masking their symptoms. This ability to camouflage their challenges, is known as “masking” or “compensation,” which allows them to function in school or work environments without drawing attention to their unique neurodevelopmental traits. However, this coping mechanism can come at a cost, as it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a sense of alienation.

Anecdotes from adults who receive a late diagnosis provide valuable insights into their experiences. Many describe a sense of relief upon understanding the root cause of their challenges. It can be a moment of self-discovery, allowing them to re-evaluate their past and make sense of difficulties that may have seemed insurmountable. This newfound self-awareness can be empowering, providing a foundation for individuals to seek targeted support and strategies to enhance their daily lives.

Employment is another area where late-diagnosed individuals may face unique challenges. Just having a positive policy and understanding colleagues, can make a significant difference in the professional lives of individuals with Autism. Companies that embrace neurodiversity initiatives not only create a more inclusive work environment but also tap into the unique talents and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals often bring to the table.

In just the same way that no two people are alike, no two people with Autism are alike, they are all individual people.

Late diagnosed Autism does not define a person, but it does provide an insight into their unique way of experiencing the world.

By increasing our understanding of Autism, we can reduce stigma and promote acceptance in all areas of life, including education, employment, and relationships.

As a final note for this week’s column, I have a question for you. If we had a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being totally miserable and 10 being completely happy, where would you put yourself on that scale, right at this moment? Whatever number you come up with, imagine going to bed tonight, waking up tomorrow and feeling 1 point higher on the scale. How would that be? What would you be doing that is different? Who would notice? What would be better? Have a think about those questions for a moment, and really try to visualise the improvement.

The reasoning behind this is, when we start to think about ourselves, and visualise ourselves, in a more positive frame of mind, feeling better, it can really help us to actually feel better. It’s a really good way to help us focus more on the positive things in life. Give it a try - you may just find it really helpful.

This column is all about helping people to understand more about their mental health and well-being. The more we understand about something, the better able we are to help ourselves and each other. If there are any topics you would like me to cover, do please get in touch.

As ever, if you or someone you know is experiencing any type of mental health crisis then please call your GP, go to A&E, call The Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258

* Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@martinfurber.com