Challenges Faced by Autistic People

While it is vital to recognise and celebrate the many strengths of autistic people, it is equally important to understand the unique set of challenges they often face. These difficulties typically arise not from a personal failing, but from the mismatch between autistic neurology and a world that is predominantly designed for and by neurotypical people.

This article provides an in-depth look at some of the common challenges autistic people may experience across different areas of life. It is crucial to remember that autism is a spectrum, meaning no two people are the same; not everyone will face all these challenges, and the degree to which they are experienced will vary greatly. The aim is to foster greater understanding and empathy, illustrating how these underlying differences can impact daily life and how we can all help to provide better support.

Social Communication and Interaction Differences

Why can a simple conversation sometimes feel like navigating a maze for an autistic person? The world of social communication is filled with nuance, subtext, and unwritten rules that can be complex and confusing.

• Communication

  Many autistic people think and communicate more literally than their neurotypical peers. This means they can find it difficult to interpret sarcasm, idioms, figures of speech, and other forms of non-literal language. A question that is meant as a polite social opener, like "How are you?", might be taken as a literal request for a detailed report. This directness in understanding and speaking is not rudeness; it is a different communication style.

• Interaction

  The challenges can extend to social interaction itself. An autistic person may find it difficult to initiate or maintain a back-and-forth conversation, or to understand the subtle non-verbal cues-like facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice-that guide most social exchanges. This can make it hard to form and maintain relationships and can lead to significant social anxiety.

Use clear, direct, and unambiguous language. Avoid relying on hints or sarcasm. Be patient and allow a person time to process what you have said before expecting a response. Creating social opportunities around a shared, structured interest can also provide a more comfortable context for interaction.

Sensory Processing Differences

Imagine a world where the volume is always turned up too high, or where a gentle touch feels like sandpaper. For many autistic people, this is a daily reality. They often perceive sensory information differently, which can be categorised in two main ways:

• Hypersensitivity (over-sensitivity)

  This is where everyday sensory input from the environment feels overwhelming or even painful. The bright, flickering lights of a supermarket, the constant noise of a busy classroom, or the strong smell of perfume can all lead to sensory overload, causing intense anxiety and distress.

• Hyposensitivity (under-sensitivity)

  This is where a person is less sensitive to sensory input and may actively seek out more intense sensations to feel regulated. This can include enjoying very loud music, craving strong flavours, or seeking deep pressure through tight hugs or weighted blankets.

Be mindful of the sensory environment. If you are with an autistic person, consider if the setting is too loud or bright. Ask about their sensory needs. Simple actions like dimming lights, lowering music volume, or avoiding strong scents can make a huge difference. Understand that tools like noise-cancelling headphones are not anti-social; they are essential for managing a difficult environment.

Executive Functioning Differences

Executive functions are the brain's "management system"-the set of mental skills that help us plan, organise, manage time, and start and finish tasks. For some autistic people, these skills can be an area of significant challenge. This can manifest as:

• Difficulty planning and organising multi-step tasks, such as cooking a meal or completing a large work project.

• Challenges with time management, including estimating how long a task will take.

• Difficulty initiating tasks, even if they are important or desired.

So it will help if you can provide clear, step-by-step instructions, preferably in a written or visual format like a checklist. Helping to break down a large task into smaller, more manageable parts can make it feel much less overwhelming. Offering aids such as visual charts and timers can also be a great support for time management.

• Managing Change

  A strong preference for routine and predictability is a key autistic trait. As a result, unexpected changes-even small ones-can be highly distressing and anxiety-inducing. This is because routines provide a sense of safety and control in a world that can feel chaotic.

• Emotional Regulation

  Autistic people feel emotions with great depth, but they may find it difficult to identify, understand, or manage their feelings. When a person becomes overwhelmed, they may experience a meltdown or shutdown, which are involuntary responses to extreme distress, not "bad behaviour".

• Provide Advance Warning

  Provide as much advance warning as possible for any planned changes. Using visual schedules can create a sense of predictability. If a person is experiencing a meltdown or shutdown, the most helpful response is to stay calm, ensure they are in a safe space, and reduce demands and sensory input until they have recovered.

Co-occurring Conditions

Is it 'just' autism, or can other conditions play a part? It is important to know that many autistic people also have co-occurring conditions that can add another layer of challenge. It is estimated that around 75% of autistic people have at least one other condition. The most common include anxiety disorders, depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These conditions are distinct from autism but can interact with it, and they often require their own specific support and professional intervention.

Fostering a More Understanding World

The challenges faced by autistic people are not character flaws or a lack of effort. They are the result of a different neurotype interacting with a world that is not always built to accommodate its needs. By understanding these common difficulties, we can move beyond judgment and towards empathy.

Being patient, understanding, and making small adjustments can make a world of difference, removing barriers and helping autistic people to not just cope but to get the support, respect, and acceptance they need to thrive.