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.

Understanding and Working with the Primary Education System (Central 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 Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-30T15:13:07+00:00January 29th, 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|

Understanding Sensory Differences (Central Manchester)

Understanding Sensory Differences (Central Manchester)

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

By Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-30T15:15:32+00:00January 22nd, 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|

Understanding Communication Differences (Central Manchester)

Understanding Communication Differences (Central Manchester)

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

By Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-30T14:49:06+00:00January 15th, 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 Neurodiversity and Wellbeing (Central Manchester)

Understanding Neurodiversity and Wellbeing (Central Manchester)

This session discusses information around Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Well-being delivered by Clinical Psychologists and Mental Health Practitioners.

By Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-30T13:07:38+00:00January 8th, 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, mental health and wellbeing, neurodiversity, North Star Centre, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, Social Communication Pathway|

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Sensory Workshop

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Sensory Workshop

This workshop will develop your understanding of the sensory system. It considers how neurodivergent individuals may experience sensory differences.

By Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-21T13:51:12+00:00December 2nd, 2025|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, sensory processing, 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

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 Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-21T13:54:32+00:00November 27th, 2025|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 Eating Challenges Workshop CANCELLED

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

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 Jordan @ MPCF|2025-11-21T13:54:51+00:00November 26th, 2025|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 and Working with the Education System (South Manchester): Aimed at Secondary + School aged young people.

Understanding and Working with the Education System (South Manchester): Aimed at Secondary + School aged young people.

This session is delivered by Educational Psychologists and provides all information related to SEN and School.

By Karen Woodhouse|2025-07-17T12:47:32+01:00November 25th, 2025|Categories: Information Sharing, Learning, Social Communication Pathway (SCP) Workshops, Workshop|Tags: autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Education, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, One Education, primary school, SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers, SENDIASS, Social Communication Pathway|

Understanding Sensory Differences (South Manchester)

Understanding Sensory Differences (South Manchester)

Delivered by Occupational Therapists in the team, this session offers information for parents around sensory behaviours and how to support this at home.