ABSTRACT
Autism is defined as a neurodevelopmental condition, which impacts the child concerning communication, executive functioning and the need for sameness. Yet what does this really mean in the day-to-day life of the autistic child? How are the whole family impacted by autism? And to what extent do the challenges presented by autism interfere with the child’s capacity to interact with the world around them? Using case studies and tangible practice examples throughout, the lived reality of autism for the child and their family is considered within this chapter. Autism assessment and diagnosis are discussed, alongside the frequency of comorbidities which are associated with a diagnosis of autism. This chapter explores how autism in actuality impacts the child in their everyday life and further into adulthood. This chapter examines the influence of the societal response to autism on the child and their family and explores the significance of access to appropriate supports.
