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Your Autism - Information for young people

Information about your diagnosis of autism, what it means and how it may affect your life.

What is autism?

Here are some facts about autism:

  • Autism is something that you were born with and will stay with you for the rest of your life
  • Being autistic just means that your brain works in a different way to other people, this means that you may think and feel different to other people
  • Being autistic does not stop you from having friends or having a relationship or even getting a job, you might just need extra help with these things
  • Autism is not an illness and it is no one's fault
  • Some autistic people may need help and support with some things

BBC Newsround have lots of videos presented by autistic young people talking about their personal experiences. The 'my autism and me' video provides a really clear overview of autism. You will find the video about half way down the page.

An image linking to a video​

Autism and Girls

Autism in girls often presents slightly differently to 'typical' Autistic characteristics. You can explore this further on our Autism in Girls pages, and look for support and inspiration on our information pages for Autistic girls page.

Autism and Gender Identity

National Autistic Society have shared some stories from autistic individuals around gender identity, and also signpost to further information about gender identity and Gender Dysphoria. 

Meltdowns and Shutdowns

If you experience meltdowns and shutdowns, but struggle to understand why, Ambitious about Autism have created some really clear videos explaining what they are and how you can manage them. They use real life experiences from autistic people.

The below image shows a screenshot of the YouTube video discussing meltdowns from a young person's perspective. Click on the image to view the video.  

Image shows a screenshot of the You Tube video discussing meltdowns from a young person's perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options for young people aged 16 and over

If you are aged 16 years or older we have another page with information on the following:

  • transferring to adult services
  • options after you finish school
  • jobs
  • driving

Head over to our preparing for adulthood pages for more information.

Autism and your Mental Health

Just like lots of other people, you may have times in your life when you are struggling with your mental health (how you feel). If you feel like you are struggling with this, it is important to speak to someone you trust or maybe a doctor. They will be able to help get you the help and support you need.

Here is some information from Young Minds about autism and mental Health

Groups for you

There are several groups in Bath and North East Somerset that you might be able to go to:

Information for your siblings(brothers and/or sisters)

If your siblings need some information to help them understand your autism diagnosis, they can find some information on the National Autistic Society's website.

They might also be able to get some support from the Carers Centre, why not let them know they can contact the Carers Centre to see what they might be able to offer. 

Sibs offers support to siblings of disabled children and adults, and advice for parent/carers in supporting the needs of siblings. 

More information

For more information about autism, you can visit the following websites:

NHS - What is autism - information from the NHS about autism. 

BBC Newsround - has lots of videos of young people sharing their experience of being autistic. 

Autism Education Trust - The Den has lots of information, facts and quizzes on the following topics: 

CBeebies - Pablo, who is autistic, uses his magic crayons to create lots of adventures.