Autism is a condition which means a person’s brain works differently to other people’s and affects the way they experience the world around them.

The term Autism does not refer to one specific condition but instead refers to a wider group of conditions (Autism spectrum). At least one in 100 children in the UK has an autism spectrum condition (ASC).

Children may have problems with communication, social interaction and flexibility of thought. This can affect how children make sense of the world around them and relate to other people. Diagnosis can take a long time, and often follows a period of uncertainty in a child’s early years.

Action Medical Research funds research to help better understand autism and help children living with autism.