The degree to which people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition are affected varies but all have difficulty with: Social interaction (difficulty relating to other people) Social communication (difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication) Imagination (difficulty in the development of play and flexible thinking) People with autism may have difficulty understanding that other people do not feel the same way they do or appreciate the same things they appreciate and may appear to lack empathy with others. It may take someone with autism longer to process information especially if it is given verbally. Allowing time to work out what has been said and giving just one instruction or piece of information at a time can be very important. Often not using words at all but using pictures or symbols can be a better method of communication. Although not all people with autism have learning disabilities, they all have difficulty making sense of the world.