Section 1: What is the Autism Spectrum?

 

Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects people in many different ways.

Some people used to be diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, but that term is no longer used.

Now, all diagnoses are part of the autism spectrum.

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What Causes Autism?

The exact cause is not known.

Research shows:

It can run in families.

It is not caused by vaccines.

It is not caused by parenting or upbringing.

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Common Difficulties for People with Autism

People with autism may:

Find it hard to make friends or understand relationships

Struggle to express thoughts and feelings

Have difficulty communicating clearly

Feel stressed by changes in routine or environment

Have sensory needs (sensitive to noise, touch, light, or smells)

Need more time to adjust to new people or places

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What Support Might Be Needed?

Everyone is different. Some autistic people may need support with:

Education (school or home learning)

Daily life (cooking, shopping, cleaning, budgeting)

Personal care (washing, dressing)

Emotional support and managing stress

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Other Conditions That May Occur with Autism

Some people may also have:

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Learning difficulties

Dyslexia or Dyspraxia

Anxiety or Depression

Other mental health conditions

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Final Thoughts

Autism is not an illness.

It is a different way of experiencing the world.

With the right support, autistic people can live full and happy lives.

Everyone deserves understanding, respect, and acceptance.

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Section 2: Easy Read Student Quiz – Questions & Answers

Instructions: Use trusted websites (e.g., NHS, CDC, Psych Central, Autism advocacy orgs) to answer.

Student Questions (A4 sheet):

What does ASD stand for?

Name two common signs of autism.

True or False: all people with autism have the same abilities.

What does sensory processing mean?

Give one way ASD can affect school or work.

Name one strength often seen in people with autism.

How can communication be supported for someone with ASD?

Why is understanding routines important for people with autism?

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Section 3: Core Understanding

What are the common signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

What conditions or disorders are commonly linked to autism?

What are the similarities and differences between autism in childhood and adulthood?

How is autism diagnosed at different ages?

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Section 4: Broader Understanding

What are the possible causes of autism?

Is there a single cause?

What role do genetics or the brain play?

Can someone be diagnosed as an adult?

Why might some people not be diagnosed as children?

Pros and cons of a later diagnosis?

How can someone get tested as an adult?

What screening tools and assessments are available?

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Section 5: Mental Health & Emotions

What is the relationship between autism and depression or anxiety?

How can mental health challenges affect autistic people?

What support can help?

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Section 6: Therapy and Support

How can occupational therapy help autistic people?

Think about sensory needs, daily routines, motor skills, and independence.

What types of support, therapy, or accommodations can help autistic people succeed?

Speech and language therapy

Visual schedules

Sensory tools

Social support

 

 

📍 Progress Marker — Noted Place

We have completed:

Section:
Easy Read — Autism, ADHD & Mental Health

Covered so far:

🧩 What autism and ADHD are

🧠 Brain differences

😟 Anxiety and depression explained

🔍 Why mental health difficulties happen more often

🧘 What helps / support strategies

💬 Affirmation: “I am not broken. I just need the right support.”

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▶️ Next Section (when you return)

The natural continuation will be one of these (your choice when back):

🧰 Coping tools & self-regulation strategies

🏫 Support in school / college

💼 Support in work settings

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & peer understanding

🧑‍⚕️ Therapy & professional support

❓ Quiz / reflective questions

📄 Printable Easy Read / PowerPoint build

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All noted and saved in the flow of your module.

Whenever you come back, just say something like:

“Continue from Autism & ADHD mental health — after ‘what can help?’”

…and we’ll pick up instantly from here without repeating anything.

✍️ A Note From the Author

I know what this feels like.
I have autism, ADHD, and mental health struggles too.

I want you to know:

You are not alone.
You are not bad or broken.
You are different — and that’s okay.

Together, we can help people understand what it’s really like.

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Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD — What’s the Difference?

🧠 What Are Autism and ADHD?

Autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions.

This means they affect how a person’s brain grows and works — especially how they think, behave, communicate, and learn.

Progress Note (added to your marker)

We have now moved forward to:

New Section Started:

✍️ Author reflection

🧠 Introduction to Autism vs ADHD vs AuDHD

Next logical sub-sections (for when you’re back) would be:

🧩 What is Autism?

⚡ What is ADHD?

🔀 What is AuDHD? (having both)

📊 Similarities and differences

🌟 Strengths of each

🧠 Support needs comparison table

❓ Quiz / discussion questions

🌈 What Is Autism? (ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Autism affects how people:

Talk and communicate with others

Understand feelings and social rules

Behave, especially with routines and interests

⭐ People with autism may:

Find it hard to make friends or understand body language (like eye contact or facial expressions)

Like things to be the same every day (e.g. same foods or routines)

Have strong interests in specific topics

React strongly to certain sounds, lights, or textures (this is called sensory sensitivity)

Autism is often noticed in early childhood, but some people are diagnosed later in life.

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⚡ What Is ADHD? (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD affects a person’s ability to:

Pay attention

Sit still or stay calm

Think before they act

⭐ People with ADHD may:

Find it hard to focus or finish tasks

Move around a lot (fidgeting or getting up often)

Talk a lot or interrupt others

Be easily distracted or forget things

ADHD is often diagnosed when children start school, as that’s when it becomes more noticeable.

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🔄 What Is AuDHD?

Some people have both autism and ADHD.
This is sometimes called AuDHD.

People with AuDHD may:

Struggle with attention, focus, and social interaction

Find it hard to plan, stay organized, or manage time (this is called executive function)

Be very sensitive to things like noise, touch, or light

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🔍 Sim🔍 Similarities and Differences

Topic	Autism (ASD)	ADHD
Attention	May focus too much on one thing, or not notice what’s around them	Finds it hard to focus or may get distracted easily
Social Skills	Trouble understanding others and making friends	May interrupt, talk too much, or miss social cues
Repetitive Behavior	Likes routines and may do the same things over and over	Not a common sign in ADHD
Hyperactivity	Might be active, but not always	Very common — moves a lot, fidgets, can’t sit still
Sensory Sensitivity	Very common — sounds, lights, smells, etc.	Can happen, but less common

Similarities and Differences

Progress Marker — Saved

We are now up to:

Section completed:

🌈 What is Autism?

⚡ What is ADHD?

🔄 What is AuDHD?

🔍 Similarities & Differences table

Next section (when you’re back):
Most likely:

🌟 Strengths of Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD

🧠 Executive Function explained (Easy Read)

🧩 Support needs in school/work

📘 Case examples or personal reflection

❓ Quiz / worksheet

📘 Why It’s Important

Autism and ADHD are not the same, but they can look similar.
Some people have both, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis from a doctor or specialist.

With the right help and support, people with autism, ADHD, or both can:

Learn well

Build friendships

Be successful and happy in life

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Response 2 — Expanded Accessible Explanation

This is an excellent and well-structured explanation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), highlighting both the distinct features and areas of overlap, especially when someone may have both conditions, often referred to as AuDHD.

To make this more accessible for readers—such as students, parents, or general audiences—you might consider adding:

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✅ Quick Summary (Easy Read Style)

Autism (ASD):

Affects how people understand and interact with others

May find it hard to talk, play, or work with others

May repeat actions or like doing the same things

May be sensitive to noise, touch, or lights

Often noticed in young children, but not always

ADHD:

Affects attention and energy levels

May find it hard to sit still, stay focused, or wait your turn

Might interrupt or act without thinking

Often noticed when children start school

Both Together (AuDHD):

Some people have both autism and ADHD

May find social situations and attention difficult

Support should be based on the person’s needs, not just the diagnosis

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🧠 How Do Autism and ADHD Fit In?

✅ Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Autism and ADHD are both called neurodevelopmental conditions.
This means they:

Start in childhood (but can last for life)

Affect how the brain develops and works

Impact learning, thinking, and behavior

They are not mental illnesses, but they can be disabilities — especially when they affect daily life.

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🧠 Autism and ADHD as Disabilities

In the UK and USA, both autism and ADHD are legally recognized disabilities when they:

Have a long-term effect on daily activities

Make it harder to work, study, communicate, or live independently without support

This means people may be protected under laws like:

Equality Act 2010 (UK)

Americans with Disabilities Act — ADA (USA)

👉 Even if someone seems “high functioning,” they can still face challenges that qualify as a disability under the law.

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💬 Mental Illness and Autism/ADHD

Autism and ADHD are not mental illnesses, but people who have them are more likely to also experience mental health conditions, such as:

Anxiety

Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Eating disorders

Self-harm or suicidal thoughts (especially when undiagnosed or unsupported)

This can happen because:

Life can be stressful when your brain works differently

People may feel misunderstood or excluded

Support may be delayed or difficult to access

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📘 Autism (ASD): Why Anxiety and Depression Might Occur

Autistic people often experience:

1. Communication Difficulties

Struggling to express feelings or understand others

May speak bluntly without realizing impact

2. Sensory Overload & Social Anxiety

Feeling overwhelmed in busy or noisy places

Pressure to socialize can increase anxiety

3. Need for Routine

Sudden changes can feel distressing

Uncertainty may cause intense anxiety

4. Misunderstanding & Isolation

Difficulty reading social cues

Risk of bullying, rejection, or loneliness

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✅ ADHD: Why Anxiety and Depression Might Occur

People with ADHD often face:

1. Impulsivity & Frustration

Acting quickly without thinking

May not understand others’ reactions

2. Focus & Planning Difficulties

Trouble staying on task or managing time

Can lead to stress or criticism

3. Emotional Regulation

Strong, fast-changing emotions

Difficulty calming down

4. Low Self-Esteem & Rejection

Frequent correction or feeling “different”

Can lead to depression or anxiety

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🎯 In Summary

Reason	Autism (ASD)	ADHD
Communication struggles	Misunderstood; difficulty reading feelings	Interrupts or speaks impulsively
Social interaction	Anxiety around people/change	Frustration when things go wrong
Understanding boundaries	May not see social impact	May forget limits/consequences
Emotional stress	Overwhelmed easily	Quick emotional reactions
Mental health impact	Anxiety, loneliness, depression	Failure frustration, low self-worth

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💡 Guide Structure Suggestion

Section 1: Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Autism and neurodiversity

ADHD

Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, etc.

Section 2: Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety

Depression

Bipolar disorder

PTSD

OCD

Section 3: Overlap

Some people have both a neurodevelopmental condition and a mental illness.

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📍 Progress saved

You’ve now completed:

Importance of diagnosis

Easy Read summaries

Legal disability context

Mental health overlap

Autism vs ADHD anxiety/depression

Top of Form

 

for example, someone with autism may also have anxiety.

· symbols

· accessible fonts

· large text

· friendly layout

part 1: autism spectrum disorder (asd) & audhd 

focus: social interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities. 

1. which of the following are common early red flags for autism in children?

a. no babbling by 12 months

b. lack of eye contact or smiling back

c. loss of speech or social skills at any age

d. all of the above

2. sensory sensitivities (e.g., covering ears due to loud noises, picky eating) are common in: 

a. only adhd

b. only epilepsy

c. autism

answer: c 

3. what does "audhd" refer to?

a. a type of epilepsy

b. having both autism and adhd

c. a severe form of autism

Neurodevelopmental Conditions — Quiz & Knowledge Check

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Part 2: ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)

Focus: Inattention • Hyperactivity • Impulsivity

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4. Which of the following is a common symptom of adult ADHD?

a. Frequently losing keys or wallet
b. Extreme focus on one topic for days
c. Difficulty waiting for turn in conversations
d. All of the above

Answer: d — All of the above

Adults with ADHD may experience forgetfulness, impulsivity in conversations, and periods of hyperfocus on interests or tasks.

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5. True or False:

Someone with ADHD can have intense focus (hyperfocus) on tasks they find interesting.

Answer: True

Hyperfocus is when a person becomes deeply absorbed in something they enjoy, sometimes losing track of time or surroundings.

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Part 3: Epilepsy & Co-Occurrence

Focus: Seizures • Brain activity • Overlapping conditions

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6. What is the approximate risk of epilepsy in children with autism compared to the general population?

a. The same risk
b. 5 times higher
c. 30 times higher (about 30%)

Answer: c — 30 times higher (about 30%)

Research shows epilepsy is significantly more common in autistic individuals, particularly those with additional learning disabilities or complex needs.

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📌 Chapter progress note (for when you return):

You have now covered:

Autism (ASD)

ADHD

AuDHD

Mental health links

Sensory processing

Lived experience

Accessibility features

Quiz / knowledge checks

Epilepsy co-occurrence

Bottom of Form

Bottom of Form

 

Neurodevelopmental Conditions — Quiz & Knowledge Check (Continued)

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Part 3: Epilepsy & Co-Occurrence (Continued)

7. Which type of seizure is commonly mistaken for inattentive ADHD?

a. Tonic-clonic (grand mal)
b. Absence seizures
c. Myoclonic seizures

Answer: b — Absence 📍 Progress Marker — Noted

We are now finishing the Neurodevelopmental Conditions chapter and preparing to move into:

➡️ Next Chapter: Mental Health Awareness

When you come back, we’ll start building it in the same structured way, for example:

Planned layout (draft):

What is Mental Health?

Mental Health vs Mental Illness

Common Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety

Depression

OCD

PTSD

Bipolar

Links to Neurodivergence & Disability

Stigma & Misunderstanding

Support, Therapy & Treatment

Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention

Easy Read Version

Training Module

Quiz / Knowledge Check

seizures

Absence seizures can look like “daydreaming” or zoning out. A child may stare blankly, stop responding, or pause mid-activity for a few seconds, which is why it is sometimes mistaken for inattentive ADHD.

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8. Intellectual disability is a major risk factor for autistic people developing epilepsy.

Answer: True

Risk can be significantly higher — research suggests epilepsy may occur in up to 40% of autistic individuals with severe intellectual disability, compared to much lower rates in the general population.

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Part 4: General Knowledge & Overlap

9. Which of the following is true regarding neurodivergence?

a. Autism, ADHD, and epilepsy are all considered forms of neurodivergence.
b. Only autism is neurodivergent.
c. Epilepsy is never considered a form of neurodivergence.

Answer: a

Epilepsy is often included within neurodivergence frameworks because it involves neurological differences in brain activity and frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental conditions.

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10. What is a key, often shared symptom between ADHD and autism?

a. High need for routine
b. Executive dysfunction (difficulty planning/organizing)
c. Social anxiety

Answer: b — Executive dysfunction

Both ADHD and autism commonly involve challenges with:

Planning

Organization

Time management

Task initiation

Working memory

While routines are more strongly associated with autism, executive functioning difficulties are widely shared across both conditions.

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End of Chapter Knowledge Check