{"id":44734,"date":"2025-11-26T08:24:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T08:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/?post_type=neurodiversity&#038;p=44734"},"modified":"2026-03-19T13:24:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T13:24:23","slug":"autism","status":"publish","type":"neurodiversity","link":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/neurodiversity\/explore\/autism\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0641\u0647\u0645 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0648\u062d\u062f"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_1 assembler_module_group_1\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_banner-module assembler_module assembler_banner-module_1 assembler_module_1 \"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-1\" id=\"module-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-1\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-1<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for banner-module - Template: template-banner - Matched: _only --><section role=\"group\">\r\n  <div\r\n    class=\"relative !p-0 w-full 2xl:max-h-[540px]\" >\r\n          <div class=\"w-full max-w-content !p-0 mx-auto absolute bottom-5 lg:bottom-9 left-0 right-0\">\r\n        <ul class=\"splide__pagination !p-0 2xl:!left-auto 2xl:!right-9\"><\/ul>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"splide__track\">\r\n      <div class=\"splide__list\">\r\n                            <div class=\"splide__slide relative xl:border-b-[20px] lg:border-white\"\r\n               >\r\n                  <picture  class=\" no-lazy\">\n                    <source media=\"(min-width: 640px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1024x481.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-300x141.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-768x361.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1320x620.jpg.webp 1320w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped.jpg.webp 1361w\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n                    <source media=\"(min-width: 640px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1024x481.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1320x620.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped.jpg 1361w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\n                    <source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-300x141.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1024x481.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-768x361.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1320x620.jpg.webp 1320w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped.jpg.webp 1361w\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n                    <source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1024x481.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-1320x620.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped.jpg 1361w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\n                          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Kit-cropped-and-flipped-300x141.jpg\" width=\"300\"  height=\"141\"  alt=\"\"   class=\"w-full h-auto object-cover md:h-[300px] md:object-cover 2xl:h-[540px] no-lazy\" \/>\n              <\/picture>\n                                          <div class=\"w-full max-w-content mx-auto xl:absolute xl:bottom-0 xl:left-0 xl:right-0\">\r\n                <div\r\n                  class=\"bg-white w-full pt-9 pb-2  px-0 lg:w-3\/4 xl:px-[70px] xl:pb-[50px] xl:pt-[50px] 2xl:-ml-[70px]\">\r\n                                                        <h1 class=\"entry-title text-primary mb-0\">Understanding autism<\/h1>\r\n                                                    <\/div>\r\n              <\/div>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n              <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/div><!-- .assembler_banner-module.assembler_module.assembler_banner-module_1.assembler_module_1. --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_1.assembler_module_group_1  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_2 assembler_module_group_2\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-2\" id=\"module-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-2\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-2<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-3 sm:pb-6\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <p>Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present from birth, although autistic traits can be recognised at any age.<\/p>\n<p>Autism represents a spectrum of differences, which means that autistic people all have different strengths and can face different challenges. However, there are some common signs of autism and particular traits which are recognised during the diagnosis process.<\/p>\n<p>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC) are the medical terms used to describe autism. The term Asperger syndrome was historically used to describe a particular form of autism, usually in people who do not have significant language developmental delay or a learning disability. However, it is no longer given as a distinct diagnosis and is now considered to be part of the different autism profiles that exist within the overarching diagnosis of ASC.<\/p>\n<p>The name Asperger syndrome is also avoided by many now due to what is known about Hans Asperger\u2019s history. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/what-is-autism\/the-history-of-autism\/asperger-syndrome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more about the term Asperger syndrome on the National Autistic Society website.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>It is estimated that at least 1 in 100 people are autistic, although more recent studies indicate that autism may be much more common than this.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_2.assembler_module_group_2  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_3 assembler_module_group_3\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-icon-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-icon-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-3\" id=\"module-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-3\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-3<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-icon-module - Template: template-icon-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.5.0\/css\/all.min.css\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" \/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.neu-grid .card {\r\n  background: var(--color-light-background);\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(16,24,40,0.04);\r\n  transition: transform .12s ease, box-shadow .12s ease;\r\n  height:100%;\r\n  display:flex;\r\n  flex-direction:column;\r\n  position:relative;\r\n}\r\n.neu-grid .card:hover {\r\n  transform: translateY(-6px);\r\n  box-shadow: 0px 0px 15px 5px rgb(0 0 0 \/ 34%);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.neu-grid .card-inner { padding: 22px; flex:1 0 auto; }\r\n.neu-grid .icon-wrap { display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; width:100px; height:100px; margin: 0 auto 16px; }\r\n.neu-grid .icon-wrap .fa { width:72px; height:72px; object-fit:contain; }\r\n.neu-grid .icon-wrap img { width:100px; height:100px; object-fit:contain; }\r\n.neu-grid h3 { font-size:20px; text-align:center; margin:0 0 8px; font-weight:600; }\r\n.neu-grid .excerpt { text-align:center; margin-bottom:12px; }\r\n\r\n.neu-grid .card-footer { padding: 12px 22px 22px; text-align:center; }\r\n.neu-grid .btn-neu {\r\n  display:inline-block;\r\n  background:var(--color-primary);\r\n  color:var(--color-light);\r\n  padding:.65rem 1rem;\r\n  border-radius:8px;\r\n  text-decoration:none;\r\n}\r\n.neu-grid .btn-neu:hover { background:var(--color-secondary); }\r\n\r\n\/* Make full-card links not affect internal layout *\/\r\n.neu-grid a.card-link-wrapper {\r\n  position:absolute;\r\n  inset:0;\r\n  z-index:10;\r\n}\r\n.neu-grid .card.has-full-link { cursor:pointer; }\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 900px) {\r\n    .neu-grid .card {\r\n        grid-template-columns: 1fr;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n        padding: 30px 30px;\r\n        margin: 20px;\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content pt-3 sm:pt-6 pb-6 sm:pb-12 neu-grid\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto px-6 sm:px-10\">\r\n\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-8\">\r\n\r\n      \r\n      <article class=\"card  has-full-link\">\r\n\r\n                  <!-- Full-card link overlay -->\r\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/explore\/autism\/#autismsupport\" class=\"card-link-wrapper\" aria-label=\"Autism support\"><\/a>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"card-inner entry-content\">\r\n\r\n          <div class=\"icon-wrap\">\r\n                          <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-05-300x300.png\" class=\"inline-block\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-05-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-05-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-05.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>                      <\/div>\r\n\r\n                      <h3>Autism support<\/h3>\r\n          \r\n          \r\n        <\/div>\r\n              <\/article>\r\n\r\n      \r\n      <article class=\"card  has-full-link\">\r\n\r\n                  <!-- Full-card link overlay -->\r\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/explore\/autism\/#autismtraits\" class=\"card-link-wrapper\" aria-label=\"Autistic traits\"><\/a>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"card-inner entry-content\">\r\n\r\n          <div class=\"icon-wrap\">\r\n                          <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Tourettes-300x300.png\" class=\"inline-block\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Tourettes-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Tourettes-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Tourettes.png 501w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>                      <\/div>\r\n\r\n                      <h3>Autistic traits<\/h3>\r\n          \r\n          \r\n        <\/div>\r\n              <\/article>\r\n\r\n      \r\n      <article class=\"card  has-full-link\">\r\n\r\n                  <!-- Full-card link overlay -->\r\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/explore\/autism\/#autismdiagnosis\" class=\"card-link-wrapper\" aria-label=\"Diagnosis of autism\"><\/a>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"card-inner entry-content\">\r\n\r\n          <div class=\"icon-wrap\">\r\n                          <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Dyslexia-300x300.png\" class=\"inline-block\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Dyslexia-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Dyslexia-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ND-Icons-Dyslexia.png 501w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>                      <\/div>\r\n\r\n                      <h3>Diagnosis of autism<\/h3>\r\n          \r\n          \r\n        <\/div>\r\n              <\/article>\r\n\r\n      \r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-icon-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-icon-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_3.assembler_module_group_3  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_4 assembler_module_group_4\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-video-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-video-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-background\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-4\" id=\"module-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-4\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-4<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-video-module - Template: template-video-neurodiversity - Matched: _only -->\r\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/lite-youtube-embed@0.9.2\/src\/lite-yt-embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/lite-youtube-embed@0.9.2\/src\/lite-yt-embed.css\" \/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.neu-split-grid {\r\n    max-width: 1144px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr;\r\n    gap: 24px;\r\n    padding: 0 22px;\r\n}\r\n@media(min-width: 1024px){\r\n    .neu-split-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* QUOTE CARD *\/\r\n.neu-card {\r\n    background: #fff;\r\n    border-radius: 20px;\r\n    padding: 20px 32px;\r\n    \/*text-align: center;*\/\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    \/*align-items: center;*\/\r\n}\r\n.neu-quote { \r\n    font-size: 26px;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\r\n    line-height: 1.25;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n.neu-author, .neu-author p {\r\n    font-size: 18px;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.neu-cta-wrap {\r\n    grid-column: 1 \/ -1;\r\n    margin-top: 10px;\r\n}\r\n.neu-cta {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    background: var(--color-primary);\r\n    color: #fff !important;\r\n    padding: 14px 14px;\r\n    border-radius: 12px;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    font-size: 20px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n}\r\n.neu-cta:hover {\r\n    background: var(--color-secondary);\r\n}\r\n.neu-video lite-youtube {\r\n    border-radius: 20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.video-text{\r\n    padding: 20px 0px;\r\n    font-weight: bold;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"neu-split-wrap w-full mx-auto pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n        <div class=\"neu-split-grid\">\r\n        <!-- LEFT: Quote Card -->\r\n        <div class=\"neu-card entry-content\">\r\n                            <div class=\"neu-quote\">\u201cPeople say that I don\u2019t look autistic \u2013 but there isn\u2019t a look to autism\u201d<\/div>\r\n            \r\n                            <div class=\"neu-author\"><p style=\"text-align: center\">Kit<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n        <!-- RIGHT: Video -->\r\n        <div class=\"neu-video\">\r\n                            <lite-youtube \r\n                    videoid=\"JJqufr2t7YU\"\r\n                    style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/JJqufr2t7YU\/sddefault.jpg')\"\r\n                    params=\"autoplay=1&modestbranding=1\"\r\n                    data-no-cookie=\"true\">\r\n                <\/lite-youtube>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n        <!-- CTA BUTTON -->\r\n                    <div class=\"neu-cta-wrap\">\r\n                <a class=\"neu-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/living\/stories\/\">\r\n                    Your neurodiversity stories                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-video-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-video-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-background --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_4.assembler_module_group_4  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_5 assembler_module_group_5\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled autismsupport\" id=\"autismsupport\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#autismsupport\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled autismsupport<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-3 sm:pb-6\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <h2>Autism support<\/h2>\n<p>A range of support is available for autistic children, young people and adults. This includes local specialist organisations, peer support groups, autism charities, advocacy services, emotional health support services and more.<\/p>\n<p>Help is also available for family members who need it, with a range of peer-led groups and organisations available in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire community.<\/p>\n<p>Find out more about local and national support for autism using the buttons below.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-button-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-button-module_2 assembler_module_2  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-6\" id=\"module-6\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-6\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-6<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-button-module - Template: template-button-neurodiversity - Matched: _only -->\r\n<style>\r\n.nd-btn-grid {\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    padding: 0 20px;\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    gap: 32px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid--1 { grid-template-columns: 2fr 8fr 2fr; }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--2 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--5 { grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr); }\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid--1 .nd-btn-grid__button {\r\n    grid-column: 2 \/ 3;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    max-width: none;\r\n    justify-self: stretch;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid__button {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    background: var(--color-primary);\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    padding: 14px;\r\n    border-radius: 16px;\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n    transition: background .25s ease;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid__button:hover {\r\n    background: var(--color-secondary);\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n    .nd-btn-grid {\r\n        grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\r\n    }\r\n    .nd-btn-grid-section\r\n    {\r\n        padding: 40px 10px;\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content px-6 pt-3 sm:pt-6 pb-6 sm:pb-12 nd-btn-grid-section\">\r\n    <div class=\"nd-btn-grid max-w-[1144px] px-6 nd-btn-grid--3\">\r\n\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/support\/children\/autism\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                Autistic children            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/support\/youth\/autism\/\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                Autistic young people            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/support\/adults\/autism\/\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                Autistic adults            <\/a>\r\n        \r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-button-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-button-module_2.assembler_module_2..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_5.assembler_module_group_5  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_6 assembler_module_group_6\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled autismtraits\" id=\"autismtraits\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#autismtraits\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled autismtraits<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <h2>Autistic traits<\/h2>\n<p>Autism is a spectrum condition that affects people in different ways. It is not linear, and the strengths and challenges that exist as part of someone\u2019s autism can change over their lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about the signs of autism in children, young people and adults, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/autism\/signs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Signs of autism (NHS)<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/what-is-autism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What is autism? (National Autistic Society)<\/a>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_6.assembler_module_group_6  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_7 assembler_module_group_7\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-8\" id=\"module-8\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-8\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-8<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-accordion-module - Template: template-accordion-neurodiversity - Matched: _only -->\r\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.5.0\/css\/all.min.css\" integrity=\"sha512-...\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer\" \/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.nd-acc { margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; display: grid; gap: 40px;}\r\n.nd-acc-title { font-size: 32px; font-weight:700; color:#000; margin: 0 0 20px; }\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-item {\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n  border-radius: 15px;\r\n  padding: 18px 22px;\r\n  box-shadow: 0 3px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);\r\n  overflow: visible;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-row {\r\n  display:flex;\r\n  align-items:center;\r\n  justify-content:space-between;\r\n  gap:12px;\r\n  padding:0px 20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-sub {\r\n  margin: 0;\r\n  color:#1f1f1f;\r\n  line-height:1.35;\r\n  flex:1 1 auto;\r\n  min-width:0;\r\n  cursor: pointer;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* icon box *\/\r\n.nd-acc-icon {\r\n  width:44px;\r\n  height:44px;\r\n  min-width:44px;\r\n  border-radius:6px;\r\n  background:#41B6E6;\r\n  display:flex;\r\n  align-items:center;\r\n  justify-content:center;\r\n  margin-left:12px;\r\n  transition: transform .18s ease, background .18s ease;\r\n  color:#fff;\r\n  cursor:pointer;\r\n  border: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-icon i { font-size:20px; line-height:1; }\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-item.is-open .nd-acc-icon { background: #2F0A5F; transform: none; }\r\n.nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-down { display: none; }\r\n.nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-x { display: inline-block; }\r\n\r\n.icon-x { display: none; }\r\n\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-item {\r\n    border-radius: 12px;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-row {\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    display: block;\r\n    padding: 0 0 56px 0;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-sub {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    margin: 0;\r\n    font-size: 16px;\r\n    line-height: 1.6;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    box-sizing: border-box;\r\n    padding-right: 64px;\r\n    min-height: 1em;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-sub p { margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-row::before {\r\n    content: \"Read more\";\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    bottom: 12px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    font-size: 16px;\r\n    color: #0b63a8;\r\n    white-space: nowrap;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    z-index: 5;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .nd-acc-row::before {\r\n    content: \"Read less\";\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-icon {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    right: 0;\r\n    bottom: 6px;\r\n    width: 44px;\r\n    height: 44px;\r\n    min-width: 44px;\r\n    border-radius: 8px;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    z-index: 6;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .icon-down { display: none !important; }\r\n  .icon-plus { display: inline-block !important; }\r\n  .icon-x { display: none !important; }\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-plus { display: none !important; }\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-x { display: inline-block !important; }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-body {\r\n    display: none;\r\n    padding-top: 12px;\r\n    font-size: 16px;\r\n    line-height: 1.6;\r\n    margin-top: 8px;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .nd-acc-body { display: block; padding:0px; font-size:16px;}\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-sub:focus, .nd-acc-icon:focus {\r\n    outline: 3px solid rgba(11,99,168,0.15);\r\n    outline-offset: 3px;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n\r\n.icon-plus { display: none; }\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-body {\r\n  display: none;\r\n  padding-top: 16px;\r\n  font-size: 18px;\r\n  line-height: 1.6;\r\n  padding:20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-sub:focus, .nd-acc-icon:focus {\r\n  outline: 3px solid var(--color-header-text);\r\n  outline-offset: 3px;\r\n  padding: 20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-row:hover .nd-acc-icon {\r\n  background: var(--color-header-text);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-row:hover .nd-acc-sub {\r\n  color: var(--color-header-text);\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content px-6 pt-0 sm:pt-0 pb-6 sm:pb-12 entry-content\" aria-label=\"Accordion section\">\r\n  <div class=\"nd-acc max-w-[1144px]\" id=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7\">\r\n\r\n    \r\n          <article class=\"nd-acc-item\" id=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0\">\r\n                  <h3>Signs of autism<\/h3>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"nd-acc-row\">\r\n          <!-- subtitle acts as toggle target (clickable) -->\r\n          <div\r\n            class=\"nd-acc-sub\"\r\n            role=\"button\"\r\n            tabindex=\"0\"\r\n            aria-expanded=\"false\"\r\n            aria-controls=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0-body\"\r\n            data-acc-target=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0-body\"\r\n          >\r\n            <p>Every autistic person is unique but there are some common traits that people may experience to differing degrees.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\r\n\r\n          <!-- icon button (also toggles) -->\r\n          <button\r\n            type=\"button\"\r\n            class=\"nd-acc-icon nd-acc-toggle\"\r\n            aria-expanded=\"false\"\r\n            aria-controls=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0-body\"\r\n            data-acc-target=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0-body\"\r\n            title=\"Toggle Signs of autism\"\r\n          >\r\n            <!-- desktop collapsed = down, mobile collapsed = plus, opened = x -->\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-angle-down icon-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-xmark icon-x\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n          <\/button>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div id=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0-body\" class=\"nd-acc-body\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_0-header\">\r\n          <p>Autistic people may:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>face social communication and interaction challenges<\/li>\n<li>have differences in sensory processing, such as being over-sensitive or<br \/>\nunder-sensitive to certain stimuli such as sound, light, touch or taste<\/li>\n<li>find it hard to always understand what others are thinking or feeling, and find it hard to say how they feel<\/li>\n<li>take things very literally<\/li>\n<li>prefer the same routines every day<\/li>\n<li>have strong attention to detail<\/li>\n<li>have a keen interest in certain subjects or activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other autistic characteristics can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>not understanding social rules<\/li>\n<li>avoiding eye contact (though many autistic people are comfortable making eye contact with others)<\/li>\n<li>above average creative or technical skills<\/li>\n<li>getting too close to other people or getting upset if someone touches or gets too close to you<\/li>\n<li>repetitive behaviour such as hand flapping, rocking or twirling a pen, sometimes called \u2018stimming\u2019 (short for self-stimulating behaviour)<\/li>\n<li>noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds<\/li>\n<li>liking to plan very carefully.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n          <article class=\"nd-acc-item\" id=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1\">\r\n                  <h3>Signs of autism in young children<\/h3>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"nd-acc-row\">\r\n          <!-- subtitle acts as toggle target (clickable) -->\r\n          <div\r\n            class=\"nd-acc-sub\"\r\n            role=\"button\"\r\n            tabindex=\"0\"\r\n            aria-expanded=\"false\"\r\n            aria-controls=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1-body\"\r\n            data-acc-target=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1-body\"\r\n          >\r\n            <p>Signs of autism in young children can vary significantly and there are often differences between how autism presents in boys and girls.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\r\n\r\n          <!-- icon button (also toggles) -->\r\n          <button\r\n            type=\"button\"\r\n            class=\"nd-acc-icon nd-acc-toggle\"\r\n            aria-expanded=\"false\"\r\n            aria-controls=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1-body\"\r\n            data-acc-target=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1-body\"\r\n            title=\"Toggle Signs of autism in young children\"\r\n          >\r\n            <!-- desktop collapsed = down, mobile collapsed = plus, opened = x -->\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-angle-down icon-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-xmark icon-x\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n          <\/button>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div id=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1-body\" class=\"nd-acc-body\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ndacc_69e2fc99342e7_1-header\">\r\n          <p>Signs of autism in young children can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>not responding to their name<\/li>\n<li>avoiding eye contact<\/li>\n<li>not smiling when you smile at them<\/li>\n<li>getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound<\/li>\n<li>repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body<\/li>\n<li>not talking as much as other children<\/li>\n<li>not doing as much pretend play<\/li>\n<li>repeating the same phrases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Signs of autism can be different in boys and girls. Girls may show fewer signs of repetitive behaviour and seem to cope better in social situations, but withdraw from situations they find difficult.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/topics\/identity\/autistic-women-and-girls\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more about autism in women and girls in the National Autistic Society\u2019s guide to autism in women and girls<\/a>.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n    \r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(function () {\r\n  \/\/ scope to this module by unique id\r\n  const root = document.getElementById('ndacc_69e2fc99342e7');\r\n  if (!root) return;\r\n\r\n  const items = root.querySelectorAll('.nd-acc-item');\r\n\r\n  items.forEach(item => {\r\n    const btn  = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-toggle');\r\n    const row  = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-row');\r\n    const sub  = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-sub');\r\n    const body = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-body');\r\n\r\n    if (!body || !btn) return;\r\n\r\n    \/\/ centralised state setter\r\n    function setState(open) {\r\n      item.classList.toggle('is-open', open);\r\n      btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', open ? 'true' : 'false');\r\n      if (sub) sub.setAttribute('aria-expanded', open ? 'true' : 'false');\r\n      body.style.display = open ? 'block' : 'none';\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    function toggle() { setState(!item.classList.contains('is-open')); }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ button toggles (stop propagation so row handler doesn't double-toggle)\r\n    btn.addEventListener('click', function (e) {\r\n      e.stopPropagation();\r\n      toggle();\r\n    });\r\n\r\n    \/\/ clicking the row (not the button) toggles too\r\n    if (row) {\r\n      row.addEventListener('click', function (e) {\r\n        if (e.target.closest('.nd-acc-toggle')) return; \/\/ ignore if click came from the button\r\n        toggle();\r\n      });\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ keyboard accessibility for the subtitle toggle\r\n    if (sub) {\r\n      sub.addEventListener('keydown', function (e) {\r\n        if (e.key === 'Enter' || e.key === ' ') {\r\n          e.preventDefault();\r\n          toggle();\r\n        }\r\n      });\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ ensure a consistent initial closed state\r\n    setState(false);\r\n  });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_7.assembler_module_group_7  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_8 assembler_module_group_8\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled autismdiagnosis\" id=\"autismdiagnosis\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#autismdiagnosis\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled autismdiagnosis<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <h2>How is autism diagnosed?<\/h2>\n<p>The formal diagnostic criteria for autism look at two key sets of behaviours (to include social, emotional, cognitive and sensory behaviours):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cluster A \u2013 Differences in social communication, social motivation and social interaction (which can create challenges)<\/li>\n<li>Cluster B \u2013 Repetitive and restrictive patterns of behaviours or interests (which include sensory experiences).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you believe that you or your child are displaying signs of autism and you want to find out more, you can learn more about autistic traits on this page. If you would like to talk to someone about it, you can also speak to the following professionals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your health visitor for children under five<\/li>\n<li>The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) for children in school \u2013 if you don\u2019t know who that is, the school\u2019s office will be able to help<\/li>\n<li>Your GP or another healthcare professional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>They may suggest an autism assessment.<\/p>\n<p>Some people may recognise signs of autism in themselves but choose not to pursue a diagnosis. If you feel you may be autistic but don\u2019t want a diagnosis, there is plenty of autism support still available should you need it.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/support\/\">Read more about autism support in the support and advice section of this website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS) oversees the diagnosis process for adults.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.awp.nhs.uk\/our-services\/specialist-services\/bristol-autism-spectrum-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find out more about BASS services.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you are under the care of the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) a diagnosis will be overseen by a professional within that team.<\/p>\n<p>Children and young people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will usually be assessed for autism by Sirona care and health.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sirona-cic.org.uk\/children-services\/services\/autism-spectrum-assessment-service\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Find out more about Sirona&#8217;s Autism Assessment Service.<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For more advice for parents and carers, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/topics\/diagnosis\/pre-diagnosis\/parents-and-carers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Autistic Society\u2019s pre-diagnosis guide for parents and carers<\/a><\/li>\n<li>For more advice for adults, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/topics\/diagnosis\/pre-diagnosis\/adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Autistic Society\u2019s pre-diagnosis guide for adults who think they might be autistic.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>About autism assessments<\/h3>\n<p>An autism assessment will be carried out by autism specialists. You may need to wait several months for an appointment, and it can take some time for the assessment to be completed, as a range of professionals need to be involved.<\/p>\n<p>If you need support whilst you\u2019re waiting for an appointment, or for an assessment to be completed, you can talk to a healthcare professional about accessing support.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/support\/\">Find out more about help available in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire in the support and advice section of this website.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>All autism assessments are carried out using a set of criteria for autism, found in diagnostic manuals called the ICD-10 and the DSM-5.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/topics\/diagnosis\/assessment-and-diagnosis\/criteria-and-tools-used-in-an-autism-assessment\" rel=\"noopener\">You can read more about these in the National Autistic Society\u2019s guide to diagnostic criteria<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/autism\/getting-diagnosed\/assessments\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Find out what might happen during an autism assessment on the NHS website guide to autism assessments<\/a>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_8.assembler_module_group_8  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_9 assembler_module_group_9\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-10\" id=\"module-10\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-10\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-10<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-accordion-module - Template: template-accordion-neurodiversity - Matched: _only -->\r\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.5.0\/css\/all.min.css\" integrity=\"sha512-...\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer\" \/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.nd-acc { margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; display: grid; gap: 40px;}\r\n.nd-acc-title { font-size: 32px; font-weight:700; color:#000; margin: 0 0 20px; }\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-item {\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n  border-radius: 15px;\r\n  padding: 18px 22px;\r\n  box-shadow: 0 3px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);\r\n  overflow: visible;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-row {\r\n  display:flex;\r\n  align-items:center;\r\n  justify-content:space-between;\r\n  gap:12px;\r\n  padding:0px 20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-sub {\r\n  margin: 0;\r\n  color:#1f1f1f;\r\n  line-height:1.35;\r\n  flex:1 1 auto;\r\n  min-width:0;\r\n  cursor: pointer;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* icon box *\/\r\n.nd-acc-icon {\r\n  width:44px;\r\n  height:44px;\r\n  min-width:44px;\r\n  border-radius:6px;\r\n  background:#41B6E6;\r\n  display:flex;\r\n  align-items:center;\r\n  justify-content:center;\r\n  margin-left:12px;\r\n  transition: transform .18s ease, background .18s ease;\r\n  color:#fff;\r\n  cursor:pointer;\r\n  border: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-icon i { font-size:20px; line-height:1; }\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-item.is-open .nd-acc-icon { background: #2F0A5F; transform: none; }\r\n.nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-down { display: none; }\r\n.nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-x { display: inline-block; }\r\n\r\n.icon-x { display: none; }\r\n\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-item {\r\n    border-radius: 12px;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-row {\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    display: block;\r\n    padding: 0 0 56px 0;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-sub {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    margin: 0;\r\n    font-size: 16px;\r\n    line-height: 1.6;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    box-sizing: border-box;\r\n    padding-right: 64px;\r\n    min-height: 1em;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-sub p { margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-row::before {\r\n    content: \"Read more\";\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    bottom: 12px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    font-size: 16px;\r\n    color: #0b63a8;\r\n    white-space: nowrap;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    z-index: 5;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .nd-acc-row::before {\r\n    content: \"Read less\";\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-icon {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    right: 0;\r\n    bottom: 6px;\r\n    width: 44px;\r\n    height: 44px;\r\n    min-width: 44px;\r\n    border-radius: 8px;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    z-index: 6;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .icon-down { display: none !important; }\r\n  .icon-plus { display: inline-block !important; }\r\n  .icon-x { display: none !important; }\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-plus { display: none !important; }\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .icon-x { display: inline-block !important; }\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-body {\r\n    display: none;\r\n    padding-top: 12px;\r\n    font-size: 16px;\r\n    line-height: 1.6;\r\n    margin-top: 8px;\r\n  }\r\n  .nd-acc-item.is-open .nd-acc-body { display: block; padding:0px; font-size:16px;}\r\n\r\n  .nd-acc-sub:focus, .nd-acc-icon:focus {\r\n    outline: 3px solid rgba(11,99,168,0.15);\r\n    outline-offset: 3px;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n\r\n.icon-plus { display: none; }\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-body {\r\n  display: none;\r\n  padding-top: 16px;\r\n  font-size: 18px;\r\n  line-height: 1.6;\r\n  padding:20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-sub:focus, .nd-acc-icon:focus {\r\n  outline: 3px solid var(--color-header-text);\r\n  outline-offset: 3px;\r\n  padding: 20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-row:hover .nd-acc-icon {\r\n  background: var(--color-header-text);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-acc-row:hover .nd-acc-sub {\r\n  color: var(--color-header-text);\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12 entry-content\" aria-label=\"Accordion section\">\r\n  <div class=\"nd-acc max-w-[1144px]\" id=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a\">\r\n\r\n    \r\n          <article class=\"nd-acc-item\" id=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0\">\r\n                  <h3>Autism assessments in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire<\/h3>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"nd-acc-row\">\r\n          <!-- subtitle acts as toggle target (clickable) -->\r\n          <div\r\n            class=\"nd-acc-sub\"\r\n            role=\"button\"\r\n            tabindex=\"0\"\r\n            aria-expanded=\"false\"\r\n            aria-controls=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0-body\"\r\n            data-acc-target=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0-body\"\r\n          >\r\n            <p>Autism assessments in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire take place through different routes, depending on the age and circumstances of the individual.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\r\n\r\n          <!-- icon button (also toggles) -->\r\n          <button\r\n            type=\"button\"\r\n            class=\"nd-acc-icon nd-acc-toggle\"\r\n            aria-expanded=\"false\"\r\n            aria-controls=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0-body\"\r\n            data-acc-target=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0-body\"\r\n            title=\"Toggle Autism assessments in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire\"\r\n          >\r\n            <!-- desktop collapsed = down, mobile collapsed = plus, opened = x -->\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-angle-down icon-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n            <i class=\"fa-solid fa-xmark icon-x\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\r\n          <\/button>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div id=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0-body\" class=\"nd-acc-body\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ndacc_69e2fc993633a_0-header\">\r\n          <p>Children and young people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will usually be assessed for Autism and\/or ADHD by Sirona care and health.<\/p>\n<p>If you are concerned that you, your child or young person you care for has Autism and\/or ADHD, you can access self-help resources and support services on the <a href=\"https:\/\/sirona-cic.org.uk\/children-services\/resources\/advice-and-signposting-2\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Sirona website<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0You can also visit your GP who may refer you to a specialist for an assessment.<\/p>\n<p>Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust&#8217;s Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), does not take referrals for Autism and\/or ADHD on its own, either to diagnose or to provide support. However, they do support children and young people with Autism and\/or ADHD who have other mental health difficulties.<\/p>\n<h4>What happens after an assessment for a child or young person?<\/h4>\n<p>Once an assessment is complete, parents and carers are given information about support available at home and at school.<\/p>\n<p>A number of children who come in for an autism assessment will not receive a diagnosis of autism. If this is the case, the team will discuss your child\u2019s strengths and difficulties and make recommendations about further sources of support your child should receive.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the children that are referred for autism assessments have other difficulties in addition to or instead of autism that may need further assessment. If this is the case children will be referred on to onto the relevant services<\/p>\n<h4>Assessments for adults<\/h4>\n<p>The referral route for adult assessments is via your GP. Other healthcare professionals and trusted professionals can also provide you with guidance and help you to access support, but your GP will usually be the person who refers you to begin the diagnosis process. Your GP may be able to suggest some support options for you instead of or as well as referring you for an assessment.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n    \r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(function () {\r\n  \/\/ scope to this module by unique id\r\n  const root = document.getElementById('ndacc_69e2fc993633a');\r\n  if (!root) return;\r\n\r\n  const items = root.querySelectorAll('.nd-acc-item');\r\n\r\n  items.forEach(item => {\r\n    const btn  = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-toggle');\r\n    const row  = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-row');\r\n    const sub  = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-sub');\r\n    const body = item.querySelector('.nd-acc-body');\r\n\r\n    if (!body || !btn) return;\r\n\r\n    \/\/ centralised state setter\r\n    function setState(open) {\r\n      item.classList.toggle('is-open', open);\r\n      btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', open ? 'true' : 'false');\r\n      if (sub) sub.setAttribute('aria-expanded', open ? 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'block' : 'none';\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    function toggle() { setState(!item.classList.contains('is-open')); }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ button toggles (stop propagation so row handler doesn't double-toggle)\r\n    btn.addEventListener('click', function (e) {\r\n      e.stopPropagation();\r\n      toggle();\r\n    });\r\n\r\n    \/\/ clicking the row (not the button) toggles too\r\n    if (row) {\r\n      row.addEventListener('click', function (e) {\r\n        if (e.target.closest('.nd-acc-toggle')) return; \/\/ ignore if click came from the button\r\n        toggle();\r\n      });\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ keyboard accessibility for the subtitle toggle\r\n    if (sub) {\r\n      sub.addEventListener('keydown', function (e) {\r\n        if (e.key === 'Enter' || e.key === ' ') {\r\n          e.preventDefault();\r\n          toggle();\r\n        }\r\n      });\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ ensure a consistent initial closed state\r\n    setState(false);\r\n  });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-accordion-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_9.assembler_module_group_9  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_10 assembler_module_group_10\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-video-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-video-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-background\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-11\" id=\"module-11\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/#module-11\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-11<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-video-module - Template: template-video-neurodiversity - Matched: _only -->\r\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/lite-youtube-embed@0.9.2\/src\/lite-yt-embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/lite-youtube-embed@0.9.2\/src\/lite-yt-embed.css\" \/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.neu-split-grid {\r\n    max-width: 1144px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr;\r\n    gap: 24px;\r\n    padding: 0 22px;\r\n}\r\n@media(min-width: 1024px){\r\n    .neu-split-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* QUOTE CARD *\/\r\n.neu-card {\r\n    background: #fff;\r\n    border-radius: 20px;\r\n    padding: 20px 32px;\r\n    \/*text-align: center;*\/\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    \/*align-items: center;*\/\r\n}\r\n.neu-quote { \r\n    font-size: 26px;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\r\n    line-height: 1.25;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n.neu-author, .neu-author p {\r\n    font-size: 18px;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.neu-cta-wrap {\r\n    grid-column: 1 \/ -1;\r\n    margin-top: 10px;\r\n}\r\n.neu-cta {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    background: var(--color-primary);\r\n    color: #fff !important;\r\n    padding: 14px 14px;\r\n    border-radius: 12px;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    font-size: 20px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n}\r\n.neu-cta:hover {\r\n    background: var(--color-secondary);\r\n}\r\n.neu-video lite-youtube {\r\n    border-radius: 20px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.video-text{\r\n    padding: 20px 0px;\r\n    font-weight: bold;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"neu-split-wrap w-full mx-auto pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n        <div class=\"neu-split-grid\">\r\n        <!-- LEFT: Quote Card -->\r\n        <div class=\"neu-card entry-content\">\r\n                            <div class=\"neu-quote\">\u201cI\u2019ve proved that with the right support, we can all have hope\u201d<\/div>\r\n            \r\n                            <div class=\"neu-author\"><p style=\"text-align: center\">Arsenal<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n        <!-- RIGHT: Video -->\r\n        <div class=\"neu-video\">\r\n                            <lite-youtube \r\n                    videoid=\"nklu7ldwQbg\"\r\n                    style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nklu7ldwQbg\/sddefault.jpg')\"\r\n                    params=\"autoplay=1&modestbranding=1\"\r\n                    data-no-cookie=\"true\">\r\n                <\/lite-youtube>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n        <!-- CTA BUTTON -->\r\n                    <div class=\"neu-cta-wrap\">\r\n                <a class=\"neu-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/living\/stories\/\">\r\n                    Your neurodiversity stories                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-video-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-video-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-background --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_10.assembler_module_group_10  -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Section titled module-1 Understanding autism Section titled module-2 Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present from birth, although autistic traits can be recognised at any age. Autism represents a spectrum of differences, which means that autistic people all have different strengths and can face different challenges. However, there are some common signs of autism [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":44726,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[1179,1180,1178,1085,1086,1087,1089],"class_list":["post-44734","neurodiversity","type-neurodiversity","status-publish","hentry","tag-asd","tag-asperger","tag-assessment","tag-autism-support","tag-autistic-traits","tag-diagnosis","tag-signs-of-autism"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/neurodiversity"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46824,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44734\/revisions\/46824"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44734"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}