World autism awareness day - in pictures

Many people with autism are over or under sensitive to sounds, lights, tastes and smells Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

The ability to communicate and relate to others is most affected Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

The cause of autism is still unknown and there is no cure Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

People with autism need our patience and understanding Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

Despite the significant challenges people with autism also experience joy in their lives Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

Autism is a life-long developmental disability which affects how people make sense of the world around them Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

Autism is an ‘invisible’ condition and can be difficult for ‘neurotypical’ people to understand Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe

Social imagination is affected too. Children with autism are not naturally able to imitate so have difficulty with play and learning Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe