2.1 Describe ways in which autism can impact on the everyday lives of individuals and others

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Describe ways in which autism can impact on the everyday lives of individuals and others.

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. People with autism can have different strengths, challenges, and abilities. No two people experience autism in the same way. The way autism affects day-to-day life can be broad or quite specific, and it can influence both the individual with autism and those around them.

Understanding the impact of autism helps workers support those they care for and their families. In this guide, we will look at how autism can shape the daily lives of individuals and those who share their world.

Communication Differences

Many people with autism experience some degree of difference with communication. This does not always mean they cannot talk. Communication needs and preferences can vary widely.

• Some people may use spoken language very little or not at all.
• Others may use echolalia, where they repeat words or phrases.
• Some rely on non-verbal communication, such as pictures, signs, or devices.

Communication differences can make it hard for people with autism to express their needs, wants, or feelings. This can cause frustration, anxiety, or misunderstandings.

For example:

• An individual who struggles to ask for help may show distress through behaviour.
• Misunderstandings may arise if someone interprets messages in a very literal way.

Family and staff often need to adapt how they communicate to support understanding and reduce frustration. This may involve using clear language, visual timetables, or providing extra time for replies.

Social Interaction and Relationships

Autism affects how people interact with others and build relationships. Some people want to form close relationships but find it hard to make or keep friends.

Challenges can include:

• Difficulty making eye contact.
• Finding it hard to recognise social cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice.
• Struggling to understand how others feel or what they are thinking.
• Preferring to play alone or feeling overwhelmed in group situations.

This might lead to:

• Isolation or loneliness for the individual.
• Confusion or hurt feelings for friends, family, or carers.

Family members may need to adjust expectations and find ways to support social activities that match their loved one’s preferences.

Sensory Processing

Many people with autism experience the world differently through their senses. This is called ‘sensory processing difference’.

Sensory issues can include:

• Hypersensitivity: Experiencing sounds, lights, textures, or smells as overwhelming or even painful.
• Hyposensitivity: Not noticing sensory input, such as not reacting to pain or temperature.

Day-to-day impact can include:

• Finding busy environments, such as supermarkets, difficult or distressing.
• Difficulty with certain clothes, food textures, or smells.
• Needing to seek sensory input, such as rocking, spinning, or seeking deep pressure.

Sensory overload can lead to anxiety or ‘meltdowns’ (a response of intense distress). People supporting someone with autism often need to adapt environments or routines to reduce triggers.

Daily Routines, Structure, and Change

Many people with autism rely on routines and find comfort in predictability. Changes to routines—even small ones—can be very distressing.

For example:

• Taking a different route to school.
• Having a supply teacher instead of the usual one.
• Unexpected changes in meal times.

Disruption to routine might cause anxiety, distress, or challenging behaviour.

To help, support workers may:

• Use visual timetables or schedules.
• Give advance warning when changes are planned.
• Help individuals build flexibility slowly, with reassurance.

Families may need to plan daily life around these routines and find ways to manage changes smoothly.

Learning and Education

Autism can affect how people learn. Some may have strong skills in certain areas, while finding others very hard.

Potential impacts:

• Needing more time to complete tasks.
• Finding group work or noisy classrooms overwhelming.
• Needing instructions broken down into small, clear steps.

Support in school might include:

• Teaching assistants for extra help.
• Visual supports, such as picture schedules.
• Calm rooms for breaks.
• Consistent routines.

Education staff and parents often work closely to build understanding and adapt support.

Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

Living with autism can affect emotional wellbeing. Some people with autism are more likely to experience anxiety or depression.

This may be caused by:

• Difficulty making friends or feeling misunderstood.
• Bullying or exclusion.
• Sensory overload.
• Struggles with communication.

Carers, family, and professionals need to be alert to mood changes, offer reassurance, and seek support if mental health needs increase.

Families can experience stress, worry, or mental health issues too. They may feel stressed if their child is not understood, or if support is hard to access.

Physical Health

Autism itself is not an illness or disease. Still, some people with autism have extra health needs.

These may include:

• Epilepsy.
• Sleep problems.
• Eating and feeding issues.
• Gastrointestinal difficulties.

Accessing health care can be more challenging due to communication needs, sensory issues at medical appointments, or anxiety about new environments.

Carers and families may often need to attend appointments, advocate for the individual, and explain needs to health professionals.

Independence and Life Skills

Some people with autism become fully independent as adults, while others need ongoing support.

Everyday skills affected might include:

• Managing personal hygiene.
• Cooking or preparing food.
• Managing money.
• Travelling independently.

Support may include:

• Social care staff or personal assistants.
• Training programmes.
• Step-by-step instructions for everyday tasks.

Families often help teach skills and encourage progress in areas like dressing, using public transport, or managing money.

Behaviour and Reactions

Behaviour is often a way for people to communicate their needs, especially if they struggle with words. Behaviours like repetitive movements (called stimming), withdrawal, or distress can relate to feelings, needs, or sensory overload.

Some people may:

• Use repetitive behaviours to calm themselves.
• Become withdrawn in busy places.
• Have ‘meltdowns’ when overwhelmed.

Family and staff may need to look beyond the behaviour to find triggers. Adapting the environment or routine can reduce distress.

Learning to recognise signs of stress can help everyone choose better strategies, reducing frustration for all.

Impact on Families and Others

Autism does not only affect the person with the diagnosis. Families, friends, carers, and even classmates can all be touched by its impact.

Family members may experience:

• Added stress, tiredness, or isolation.
• The need to learn about autism and adapt routines.
• Worry about their loved one’s wellbeing or future.

Siblings may feel confused or left out, especially if much attention goes to the person with autism.

Social networks may change. Friendships around the person may need patience and understanding. Some families experience increased support, while others may feel isolated if others do not understand.

Colleagues or classmates may:

• Need to adapt communication.
• Make adjustments for group activities.
• Sometimes feel unsure how to help or relate.

Working Life and Employment

Adults with autism often face barriers to employment. Barriers include communication differences, sensory needs in the workplace, and social expectations.

Workplaces may need to:

• Adapt interview processes or workspaces.
• Be clear about expectations and routines.
• Offer calm spaces for breaks.

People with autism have strengths, such as attention to detail, loyalty, and specialist skills. Yet, finding a workplace that understands and values these strengths may require effort and advocacy.

Families and carers may need to support job applications, travel, and workplace adjustments.

Stigma and Misunderstanding

Misunderstandings about autism can bring stigma. People may face judgement or exclusion if others do not understand their needs.

Examples of stigma:

• Labelling behaviours as ‘naughty’ or ‘rude’.
• Blaming families for challenges.
• Failing to believe a ‘hidden’ disability is real.

This can lower self-esteem for the individual and increase stress for families.

Support workers, carers, and family members have a key role in raising awareness and promoting understanding.

Adaptations in Public Life

Daily tasks like shopping, transport, or appointments can present challenges.

People with autism may avoid public places where sensory input is high or routines could be disrupted. This can limit access to community activities, appointments, and services.

Some adaptations that help include:

• ‘Quiet hours’ in shops and supermarkets.
• Clear signposting and simple language.
• Access to support staff.

When environments or services do not adapt, stress increases for people with autism and their families.

Advocacy and Rights

Understanding autism’s impact helps people advocate for their rights in education, work, healthcare, and community life.

Families, carers, and workers may:

• Support individuals to express their needs.
• Help fill forms or attend meetings.
• Challenge poor practice where needs are not met.

Advocacy builds confidence and opens up opportunities, but it can also be tiring and emotional.

Access to Support Services

People affected by autism often need support from services.

Services can include:

• Speech and language therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Social care services.
• Specialist schools.
• Charities.

Accessing support may involve waiting lists or funding challenges. Families may need information and guidance to find what fits their needs.

Final Thoughts

Autism shapes many parts of a person’s daily life. The effects can be far-reaching, sometimes making everyday activities challenging. People with autism can experience barriers in communication, learning, social interaction, and accessing services. These challenges can impact confidence, wellbeing, and opportunities.

Families and those who work with people with autism often show great curiosity and resilience as they adapt to ongoing needs. It is important to recognise both the difficulties and the unique strengths that individuals with autism bring to their communities.

Good support starts with knowledge, patience, and respect for each person’s experience. When people feel understood, included, and valued, daily life becomes less stressful and more rewarding for everyone involved.