What is autism and why is public understanding important?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Our supporters consistently tell us that improving public understanding of autism is their top priority, which is why awareness raising is implicit in everything the National Autistic Society does. Better understanding of autism would improve every part of their lives, increasing the chances of an early diagnosis and support, lowering incidents of bullying at school and improving employment prospects. If we’re to change how the world sees autism, we need to challenge misleading stereotypes, like the central character in Rain Man, wherever they emerge and increase understanding of the condition in every sector of society, from health and social care to culture and media. Carol Povey is Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism For more information, support or to get involved in campaigning or volunteering, please visit www.autism.org.uk