The word 'spectrum' is used because the condition will affect people in very different ways. Some people are able to live relatively independent lives; others will require a lifetime of specialist support.

There are three main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share these are:

• Difficulty with social communication

• Difficulty with social interaction

• Difficulty with imagination

There are over half a million people in the UK with autism - that's around 1 in 100 people.

If you think you may be affected by autism then we recommend that you discuss this with your GP who may be able to complete a diagnosis and refer you to a specialist team if appropriate.

We have provided a link to both the National Autism Act and the National Strategy for Adults with Autism in England which was published in March 2010. 

As part of our work implementing the national strategy we are working in partnership with NHS Dorset and other key organisations to develop a Pan Dorset Strategy for adults with autism (including Bournemouth and Poole).  We are making final amendments to the strategy and outcomes will be posted here after the first meeting of the pan Dorset ASC Partnership Board will take place in February next year.