Varying support needs

Autism is a spectrum disorder which means autistic people can have varying support needs. One third of autistic people also have a learning disability. The autism spectrum isn't linear and many people talk about the 'spikey profile.' This means an autistic person could be a leading expert on nuclear physics but unable to remember to brush their teeth or clean their clothes.

Some autistic people will have high support needs, which may mean that they require full time care and support. Some people may need a bit of support with day to day activities, while others live fully independent lives.

With the right support in place, all autistic people should be able to live the life they choose.

Learning disabilities

Autistic people can have different 'degrees' of learning disability, which can affect all aspects of their life, from studying in school to learning how to wash themselves or make a meal. Some people will be able to live fairly independently - although they may need a degree of support to achieve this - while others may require lifelong, specialist support. Some autistic people do not have accompanying learning disabilities, but may still have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.

Non-verbal communication

Some autistic people are non-verbal, or selectively mute, meaning that they do not speak. Although a person may not use spoken word, there are plenty of other ways to communicate.

Social stories

Communication boards and sign language

Visual supports and symbols

Read about communication tools

Personal stories

We spoke to autistic people with high support needs and their family members, including Ellie Pinnington, a young autistic woman, and Danielle, mother to Freddie, who is autistic and has high support needs.

They talked about their experiences of being autistic or the parent to an autistic child, from the positives of life on the spectrum to some of the challenges they face.

"Don't try to change autistic people. Accept their differences."

Judith, parent to Anna

Ellie Pinnington is an autistic musical theatre performer with high support needs. We asked her, 'What could the public do to support you in social situations?' She replied: "Speak slower. Having pictures."

Danielle, parent to Freddie, an autistic boy with high support needs, said: "It’s really important for us to have help from disability social workers, as our family is increasingly isolated from the community."

Angela, parent to Sam, an autistic man with high support needs, told us: "Sam really enjoys doing horticultural work. For two days a week, he goes to a scheme called ‘Growing Places’ with other adults with disabilities."

Judith, parent to Anna, an autistic person who experiences sensory differences, advised family members of autistic people: "Ask an autistic person face to face what makes them uncomfortable, and really notice it yourself. Don’t try to change them, accept their differences."

Kevin Chapman, YouTuber and parent to Andy, an autistic teenager with high support needs, said: "Andy always needs to know what he’s doing, when he’s doing it, who with, etc. He thrives when he gets into a regular routine, knowing that certain days and times are for certain things."

The Spectrum magazine

Explore one of the UK's largest collections of autistic art, poetry, and prose. The Spectrum magazine is created by and for autistic people, and is available both online and in print.

Read the Spectrum