Understanding the Autism Spectrum

Explore the autism spectrum through interactive choices and personal reflection. Understand individual differences in communication, sensory experiences, interests and everyday support. Create a downloadable profile to share your preferences, recognise changing needs and help others offer support that fits you.

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Autism is a spectrum because autistic people have different combinations of experiences, strengths and support needs. A single line from “less” to “more” autistic cannot describe a whole person.

Explore different areas

The colour wheel on the cover represents variety. It is not a diagnostic chart or a way to score someone. Tap an area to explore what individual support can mean.

Choose an area that interests you.

Understanding becomes action

Support starts with the person and the situation.

A person is more than a label

Two people with the same diagnosis can need very different support. Someone may have strong skills in one area and substantial difficulties in another. Support needs can change with stress, health, demands and the environment.

This reflection does not diagnose autism or measure its severity. There are no scores, rankings or correct answers. You can skip any prompt, write about yourself or complete it with someone who supports your communication.

My individual support profile

Your writing stays on this page while it is open. It is not saved automatically. Download a copy if you want to keep or share it.

My strengths, interests and things that matter to meHow I prefer to communicate and receive informationSensory experiences I want others to understandWhat helps with plans, changes or predictabilityWhere I need practical supportHow my needs change across situationsOne thing I would like someone to understand or change

Further information

NHS: What is autism?

NHS: Autism and adult life