What is Autism?

According to the National Autistic Society (NAS):

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.

Other Names for Autism

Different labels have historically been used to diagnose autism:

– autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
– autism spectrum condition (ASC)
– classic autism
– Kanner autism
– pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)
– high-functioning autism (HFA)
– Asperger syndrome
– Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

This reflects the different diagnostic manuals and tools used, and the different autism profiles presented by individuals.

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Community Play Workshop

This workshop shares practical ideas you can try at home to support sensory regulation for children with social communication differences. It aims to improve parental and child wellbeing through play.

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-06-03T16:00:36+01:00December 1st, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Under-5s Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Years, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, play, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, sensory integration needs, Social Communication Pathway, Under-5s SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers|

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Community Play Workshop

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Community Play Workshop

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-06-03T15:55:52+01:00October 1st, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Under-5s Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Years, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, play, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, sensory integration needs, Social Communication Pathway, Under-5s SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers|

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Community Play Workshop

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Community Play Workshop

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-03-26T17:08:12+00:00July 20th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Under-5s Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Years, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, play, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, sensory integration needs, Social Communication Pathway, Under-5s SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers|

“Cool to be You” Game Day

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go

By Jordan @ MPCF|2026-05-31T19:38:03+01:00July 16th, 2026|Categories: Community, Family, Fun|Tags: autism, Autism Navigator, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Local Offer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, needs-led model, neurodiversity, North Star Centre, SEND Community Offer|

Understanding Communication Differences (South Manchester)

Understanding Communication Differences (South Manchester)

This workshop aims to impart parents with language and communication strategies to use with their children.

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-04-23T16:19:54+01:00July 16th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Central Manchester, communication, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, neurodiversity, North Star Centre, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, Social Communication Pathway, speech and language therapy|

Understanding and Working with the Secondary Education System (South Manchester)

Understanding and Working with the Secondary Education System (South Manchester)

Delivered by educational psychologists, this session provides info about SEND, neurodiversity in education, and how children's needs can be met by schools.

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-04-23T16:16:40+01:00July 15th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Central Manchester, Education, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, neurodiversity, North Star Centre, One Education, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, Social Communication Pathway|

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Eating Challenges Workshop

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Eating Challenges Workshop

This workshop looks at the reasons behind a limited diet, nutritional needs, the impact of sensory differences and ideas to try and increase the range of foods your child will try.

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-06-03T15:35:58+01:00July 14th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Under-5s Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Years, eating challenges, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, Social Communication Pathway, Under-5s SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers|

Understanding Sensory Differences (South Manchester)

Understanding Sensory Differences (South Manchester)

This workshop aims to impart parents and carers with information about sensory differences amongst neurodivergent people.

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-04-23T16:06:47+01:00July 9th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Central Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, neurodiversity, North Star Centre, occupational therapy, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, sensory integration needs, sensory processing, Social Communication Pathway|

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Toilet Training Workshop

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Toilet Training Workshop

This workshop considers the particular challenges parents/carers can face when toilet training a child with social communication differences. Ideal for those with children aged 0 to 5 years.

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-06-03T15:27:44+01:00July 8th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Under-5s Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Years, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, Social Communication Pathway, toilet training, Under-5s SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers|

Understanding Sensory Differences (Online parent/carer workshop)

Understanding Sensory Differences (Online parent/carer workshop)

The workshop is for parents and carers of children and young people from pre-school years, up to 18yrs of age. This workshop will develop your understanding of the sensory system. It considers how neurodivergent individuals may experience sensory differences.