Autism Spectrum Condition

Abstract

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and to the world around them. It is also a spectrum condition, which means that it affects different people in different ways. It is estimated that around 1 in 100 people are autistic (Brugha et al. 2012). A substantial proportion of autistic people is of average or advanced intellectual abilities and academically competent (often referred to as higher-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome), although some have an additional learning disability (Fombonne et al. 2011). Whilst autism in itself is not an indicator of academic ability, many young people find it difficult to enter and succeed in Higher Education. Having said that, the number of university students diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition is consistently rising.