Do You know What It's Like To Live with Autism!

Tim Webb’s film A Is For Autism delivered a touching insight into what life is like for people with the condition. Now, a new wristwatch that scans biometric data might open another window into it.

- Paul Parsons

Seven years ago, I had one of the worst conversations of my life. A paediatrician delivered the news to me and my partner that our 18-month-old son, Callum, had a severe developmental delay and was presenting symptoms consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The diagnosis of ASD was later confirmed. Callum has since attended a specialist pre-school and now goes to a special educational needs primary. His progress has been good, but his condition remains moderate to severe, and it’s likely he’ll require continued support into adulthood. Knowing that your child probably won’t achieve independence in later life throws up unpleasant questions. What’s going to happen when I’m gone? Who will care for him? Who will love him? But, as we were to find out, that wasn’t the worst of it.

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition characterised by difficulties with language and social interaction, and a tendency for repetitive behaviours. The disorder often manifests itself with other mental health issues, including learning disabilities, depression and anxiety. It is a spectrum condition, meaning that its symptoms and their severity vary greatly from one individual to the next. Those who experience autism range from the high functioning, such as naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham, through to people for whom it’s a profound disability, precluding the possibility of an independent life.