Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder project has been designed to help individuals and families develop a greater understanding of childhood autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition to understand and we had lots of advice from families of children with ASD. Families said they wanted information about autism that was brief but useful, trustworthy, and could be shared with the rest of the family.

Therefore, we have created a series of short information films (approximately 5 minutes each) on different aspects of autism, which have been recorded in a number of different languages. In these videos, we cover some of the more common characteristics of autism and some of the more common difficulties that are seen.

We hope these information videos, which have been created by a partnership between the University of Leicester, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, and was funded by Carlton Hayes Charity, will be helpful in learning about autism. The material can be accessed on most devices, including phones and tablets.

Included in these videos are:

• What is ASD and what causes ASD?
• Understanding social and communication difficulties.
• Understanding the difficulties in social imagination.
• Understanding and managing behavioural problems.
• Managing sleep problems.
• Understanding sensory problems

The different presenters are current practicing clinicians who have considerable experience working with children with this condition.