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 Sensory Differences (North Manchester)

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

By Karen Woodhouse|2025-12-15T15:09:42+00:00February 10th, 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|

Neurodiversity Pathway Engagement Session (Online)

Neurodiversity Pathway Engagement Session (Online)

Manchester is introducing a new pathway for assessing ADHD and autism - and we would love to hear your thoughts!

By Jordan @ MPCF|2026-02-26T19:23:55+00:00February 9th, 2026|Categories: Co-Production, Information Sharing, Meeting|Tags: ADHD, autism, Autism Navigator, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, Jo Bromley, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, needs-led model, Neurodevelopmental Pathway, neurodiversity, NHS Greater Manchester|

Neurodiversity Pathway Engagement Session

Neurodiversity Pathway Engagement Session

Manchester is introducing a new pathway for assessing ADHD and autism - and we would love to hear your thoughts!

By Jordan @ MPCF|2026-02-26T19:22:10+00:00February 6th, 2026|Categories: Co-Production, Information Sharing, Meeting|Tags: ADHD, autism, Autism Navigator, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, Jo Bromley, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, needs-led model, Neurodevelopmental Pathway, neurodiversity, NHS Greater Manchester, North Star Centre|

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Sensory Workshop (Cancelled)

Under-5s SCP – Parent/Carer Sensory Workshop (Cancelled)

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

By Karen Woodhouse|2026-02-05T11:00:59+00:00February 6th, 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, sensory processing, Social Communication Pathway, Under-5s SCP Workshops for Parents and Carers|

Understanding Neurodiversity and Wellbeing (North Manchester)

Understanding Neurodiversity and Wellbeing (North Manchester)

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

By Karen Woodhouse|2025-12-15T14:38:49+00:00February 4th, 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 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|2026-02-03T14:47:20+00:00February 4th, 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|

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

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|2026-01-16T17:10:20+00:00February 3rd, 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|

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|2026-01-08T11:56:13+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, 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|

Changes in How Children and Young People are Reviewed and Assessed for Autism and ADHD in Greater Manchester

Changes in How Children and Young People are Reviewed and Assessed for Autism and ADHD in Greater Manchester

There's an updated version of this NHS Greater Manchester document that was released in February 2026. Please visit our Neurodevelopmental Pathway page to read the latest updates on the changes to the ADHD and autism assessment pathways. We have received communications from NHS

By Jordan @ MPCF|2026-02-26T18:45:37+00:00January 27th, 2026|Categories: Information Sharing|Tags: ADHD, autism, CAMHS, community paediatrician, Greater Manchester, Health, needs-led model, Neurodevelopmental Pathway, Neuroprofiling, NHS Greater Manchester|

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.