What is autism?

This page highlights key resources on our website which help to build a better understanding of autism.

A range of resources have been developed in partnership with autistic people, parents and carers and professionals that clearly explain what autism is and how it affects autistic people’s interaction with the world around them.

Who is the film for?

The film has been designed to raise awareness and understanding of autism.

The National Neurodivergence Team have worked to keep their resources and language updated and current to reflect what autistic people would like neurotypicals to understand about autism, and the updating of the scheme is one example of this.

What is this film about?

The film follows three autistic people – Amara Tamblyn, Rhiannon Lloyd-Williams and Osian Harries – as they explore what their autism means to them, including: social communication; patterns and routines; sensory experience; and how to make things better.

It also includes the professional voice of Dr Elin Walker Jones, consultant Psychologist.

In this section there are a set of structured modules that follow the National Autism Training Framework for Wales.

These modules have been coproduced with an advisory group of neurodivergent people and features their voices and experiences.

The page will be updated on an ongoing basis with any new online eLearning resources that the National Neurodivergence Team produce.

Current eLearning modules available:

  • Understanding Autism
  • Understanding Effective Communication and Autism
  • Understanding Assessment and Autism

Click here to access the eLearning modules.

In this section there are links to a range of advice sheets, including those for autistic adults, parents/carers and more.

The advice sheets have been coproduced with an advisory group of neurodivergent people.

This section will be updated on an ongoing basis with any new advice sheets that are produced.

Click here to access the advice sheets.

In this section, you will find recordings from our Community of Practice events, which focus on a range of different neurodivergent conditions, and issues that impact the neurodivergent community.

This section will be regularly updated when these events take place.

Click here to access the Community of Practice sessions.

In this section, you will find a range of interviews from our Digital Stories series.

The series features interviews with people from the autistic community, and asks what they would like parents/carers, professionals, and the general public to know about autism.

Click here to access the Digital Stories.

Additional Resources

Adult Personal Profile

The profile can help people gain a better understanding of you and how they can help and support you more effectively.

Idioms Glossary

The glossary provides the meaning for various idioms.

Orange Wallet

The orange wallet scheme aims to help neurodivergent people when travelling on public transport.

Resources Booklet

This resource booklet outlines the resources we have available on our website.

My local contacts

Each Local Authority has a local Autism Lead that is the key contact for autism information, advice and guidance in that area.

Dewis Cymru

Dewis Cymru is the site to go to if you want information or advice about services within your area, as well as information on your well-being.

Integrated Autism Service

There are 7 Integrated Autism Services across Wales.  They are a partnership between health and social care.  Their primary focus is autistic adults who do not access statutory services or those adults seeking a diagnostic assessment.

Useful Links

Within this area of the website is a selection of other web resources that autistic people and those that care for them may find helpful.