Factfile: What is autism and how does it affect us?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people.

It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

• It's a spectrum condition, which means it can affect sufferers in different ways.

• Some people can live independent lives but others have accompanying learning difficulties and need lifetime support.

• People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

• Asperger syndrome is a form of autism

• People with Aspergers are often of average or above average intelligence

• They have fewer problems with speech but may still struggle with understanding language.