Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Avoid misunderstandings
• Method 2 of 2: Understanding the differences between autists
• Tips
• Warnings

"Autistic body language" is a somewhat strange concept. Everyone with autism is unique, so it doesn't work to make generalizations about all autists. This article covers common patterns and misunderstandings. If someone in your area has autism and you want to apply this information, continue to see them as an individual, and remember that not every step applies to everyone.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Avoid misunderstandings

1. Remember that "different" does not mean "wrong." People with autism communicate differently, but that does not mean that their way of communicating is inferior. Everyone (including non-autists) has their own habits and there is no right or wrong in personal expression.
2. Don't cling to your own expectations of how someone with autism should behave. You may have a limited understanding of what each behavior means. For example, if you assume that a lack of eye contact means that someone is not paying attention, you probably think that someone with autism is ignoring you when in reality they are listening very carefully to you. So try to be open-minded and get to know the other person better as an individual.
3. Be open to differences and don't be afraid of body language you don't understand. Certain ways of communicating will be new to you, and that's okay. Weird faces or flapping arms may seem unpredictable, but that doesn't mean that people with autism are dangerous or that they want to harm you. Take a deep breath and relax.
4. Look for context. Body language is complicated, and every autistic person is different. So there are no clear lists or flow charts for body language logic. Look for clues in the context (the environment, what is being said, facial expression) and use your judgment.
5. When in doubt, just ask. It's okay to ask for clarification about someone else's feelings, and it's better than getting frustrated or confused anyway. Autists have an excellent understanding of what it is like to need an explanation of what someone's behavior means. As long as you are polite and respectful, it is perfectly normal to ask about the things you don't understand.
   • "I notice that you fiddle a lot while we talk. Is something wrong, or is this a normal part of listening to others for you?"
   • "I notice you don't look at me while we talk. Is this part of your body language when you listen?"

Method 2 of 2: Understanding the differences between autists

These are general tips to help you better understand a loved one with autism. The body language of a person with autism may correspond to many of these steps, but not all steps may be the same.

1. Recognize that stimulation (making repetitive movements) can have different meanings. If someone with autism stimulates in your presence, it usually means that they trust you enough to dare to be themselves. But the meaning also depends on the situation. Stimulation can be a way to express an emotion, reduce stress or overstimulation, aid in concentration, or something completely different. Here are some ways to understand it better.
   • Facial expressions-Someone who stimulates with a smile usually feels different from someone who stimulates with a frown.
   • Words and sounds-What they say or the sounds they make (crying, giggling, etc.) can say something about how they feel.
   • Context-If a woman waves her arms when she sees a puppy, she is probably excited, but if she waves her arms and cries while doing a difficult task, it rather means she is frustrated and needs a break.
   • Sometimes stimulation has no emotional meaning, in the same way that getting up and stretching is not an indicator of your mood.
   Question and answer V.

   On the question What does stimming usually mean to you?

   
   

   Understand that looking elsewhere is often part of the body language of someone with autism when listening to you. Making and keeping eye contact can be distracting or even painful for people with autism and so they look at your shirt, your hands, the space next to you, their own hands, etc. instead. Their eyes may be unfocused during the conversation because their brain is focusing on your words.

   • If you think someone with autism is out of the picture, try to get attention by saying their name, talking, or gently waving your hand in front of their eyes when nothing else works.
2. Interpret a blank facial expression as a pensive and not as an empty facial expression. Many autists relax their facial muscles when their brains are busy. This includes a distant look, a slightly open mouth, or a lack of facial expression.
   • Some people with autism immediately assume this expression when they listen to someone intently.
   • If someone with autism is just staring into nothingness, then he / she has probably been sent in mind. He / she can still hear you, but you will need to get your attention first if you want him / her to really listen to you.
3. Keep in mind that stimulation is part of the autistic body language. Stimulating can help calm, concentrate and feel good. If an autistic person stimulates while talking to you, it increases their concentration.
4. Don't automatically interpret wild, random facial expressions as anger or frustration. Some people with autism make strange faces. Usually this means that they feel comfortable enough around you to be themselves, and that's a good sign! Here are some possible meanings.
   • Joy-Their unique way of laughing and having fun.
   • Stimulating-They need to move their facial muscles, similar to how you might be playing with a zipper or playing with a basketball if you haven't had enough exercise.
   • Be crazy-They want to make you laugh.
   • Natural expression-Some disabled people have a neutral facial expression that looks very different from that of non-disabled people.
   • Frustration or pain-Look for clues from context to see if this is correct.
5. Be aware of motor disabilities. Movements that look jerky, clumsy, forced or "angry" do not always mean that someone is angry. The person making such movements may suffer from dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, or some other limitation that makes movement difficult. If they often move in this way, you can assume it is a normal part of their physical difficulties.So don't mistakenly attribute the movements to frustration when someone is just trying to do their thing.
6. Recognize signs of agitation. People with autism panic more quickly than others and sensory stimuli can cause them discomfort and pain. Unusually agitated movements (including stims) combined with a blank or confused facial expression may indicate that the person needs a break.
   • Paying attention to these signals can help to prevent an explosion (meltdown) or closing (shutdown).
7. Understand that it is okay not to understand it all. People with autism can do all kinds of things that you don't understand, from “Bliep! Bleep! ” call out at the same time as the squeak of the microwave, to smile and go limp when they are hugged. Don't worry about it. See differences as valuable, and appreciate a loved one with autism for who he / she is.

Tips

• The autistic community has a lot of resources and personal articles that can be of use to you.
• Sometimes a person's facial expression doesn't show how they feel inside. A child who never smiles can nevertheless experience joy. It's just not that obvious on their face.

Warnings

• Never use coercion, planning, or physical violence to get someone with autism to conform to social norms. Let it be their choice whether they want to comply, it is their right to make that decision.