ASD stands for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Nowadays people often say ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) instead.
An Autistic Spectrum Condition is complex and affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. It is a life long condition. The word "spectrum" reminds us that the condition varies from person to person but everyone with autism has difficulty with social interaction, communication, and flexibility of thinking and behaviour. Some pupils also have accompanying learning difficulties, while others may have a greater than normal facility for learning. The numbers of children being diagnosed with autism are growing both nationally and within Reading.
Children with autism can have difficulties coping with their emotions, understanding consequences and appreciating other peoples’ points of view. They can experience intense stress when their routine changes, or when things happen that they don’t understand, and they sometimes have a problem distinguishing between reality and fantasy.
For more information about Autism see the links on our ASD Links webpage.