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.
The NAS website contains a wealth of up to date information about autism.
Gender Differences: Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum
Working with People with Autism
Autism is very often diagnosed alongside other conditions, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathological demand avoidance (PDA) social communication disorder and learning disabilities.
It's important to support people with more than one condition in a way that meets all their needs, while understanding that the difficulties caused by autism are distinct to those caused by the related condition.