Autism spectrum disorder: what are the symptoms and how is it diagnosed?

Developmental condition is estimated to affect more than 700,000 people in the UK

Chris Packham
TV presenter Chris Packham has a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome
(Image credit: BBC)

World Autism Awareness Week is taking place this year from 1 to 7 April, with campaigners hoping to raise awareness of the condition and improve the experience of those affected by it.

The chief executive of the UK’s National Autism Society, Mark Lever, described the week as a unique time for people to learn about autism and hopefully changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of autistic people.

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