How to explain autism to everyone

Author: Monica Porter
Date Of Creation: 15 March 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Autism Spectrum Disorder: 10 things you should know
Video: Autism Spectrum Disorder: 10 things you should know

Content

If you have an autistic loved one or you have autism yourself, you sometimes find it necessary to explain it to others. In order to have a satisfactory explanation, it is helpful to learn as much as possible about autism. Then you can explain how autism affects a person's social skills, understanding and behavior.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Understand autism to explain it to others

  1. Understand that autism is a broad spectrum disorder. This means that symptoms will manifest differently from person to person. Symptoms of the autistic person are not the same. One person may have serious sensory problems but have social skills and functioning well, while another may have less sensory problems but very difficult social interaction skills. basic. Due to differences in symptoms, autism is difficult to generalize.
    • Keep this in mind when discussing autism with others. Explain that not all autistic people behave the same way, just like normal human actions are not the same.
    • When describing an autistic person, emphasize your individual needs.

  2. Note the differences in communication. For some autistic people, communicating with others is extremely difficult. Communication challenges are discussed in more detail in Method 2, but common communication problems associated with autism include:
    • The voice is unusual and even, creating strange rhythms and timbre.
    • Repeating questions or phrases (parody)
    • It is difficult to express one's needs and wants
    • Delay in processing spoken language, not responding quickly to instructions, or confused by too many words spoken too quickly
    • Literal interpretation of language (mistaken for sarcastic, sarcastic speech and rhetorical measures)

  3. Understand that autistic people interact differently with the world around them. When you talk to an autistic person, you may wonder if they are really interested in you, or even interested in your presence. But don't be pissed off by this. Remember:
    • Many autistic people show that they do not care about their surroundings. They are simply not aware or attentive to the people next to them. This makes it difficult for them to connect with others.
    • Autistic people may have a different way of listening than ordinary people. For example, eye contact is annoying and distracting to them, and they may need to fidget with their concentration. As such, what you consider inattentive is actually their tuning for better listening.
    • Autistic people may manifest themselves as if they are not listening to others talking to them. This could be because they are slow in processing sound, or there are too many distractions in the room. Ask them to go somewhere quieter and stop during a conversation to give them time to think.
    • For children with autism, playing with other children can be very challenging because confusing social rules make them not understand, and they will find that not participating is easier.

  4. Some autistic people cannot speak (are unable to speak). They can communicate using sign language or charts, by typing, by body gestures or behavior. Explain that just because an autistic person cannot speak does not mean they cannot understand what they say or that they have nothing to say.
    • Reminds everyone that the act of "raising the voice" is always considered a despicable act. Autistic people who cannot speak should be treated equally with their peers.
    • Cite the careers of talented but not able to speak like Amy Sequenzia, a writer and self-speaking activist for autistic people like me.
  5. Note that the autistic person may not understand sarcasm, humor, or tone. It is very difficult for them to understand the different tones, especially when the facial expressions of the speaker are incompatible with the voice.
    • When interpreting this difficulty, you might be involved with the use of emoticons when texting. If someone texts you "Wow," you will think they are telling the truth. However, if you include a message with a symbol like ":-P" representing a person sticking out their tongue, you will understand that the message is a mockery.
    • Autistic people can learn to understand figurative language. Some people are quite adept at nuances of sarcasm and humor.
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Method 3 of 5: Explain the difference in how the autistic person talks

  1. Helping people understand that autistic people have feelings like normal people. It is important to make people understand that autistic people are as loving, happy, and suffering as everyone else. Autistic people sometimes seem separate, but that doesn't mean they don't have emotions - in fact, many autistic people have very deep emotions. advertisement

Method 4 of 5: Explain physical conventions

  1. Explain that many autistic people cannot tolerate certain sensory stimuli. An autistic person can have a headache from bright lights or shock and cry if someone drops a dish on the floor. Remind people of the autistic person's sensitivities so they can help.
    • Suggest that people ask what the autistic person needs to respond. For example, “Do you find this room too noisy? Can we go somewhere else? "
    • NEVER tease out an autistic person's sensitivities (slam a closet door to see how they jump, for example). This can overwhelm them with feelings, fear or even panic attacks, and this behavior is considered bullying.
  2. Describe to people that the autistic person is more likely to control stimuli with warning and preparation. In general, autistic people are better able to handle situations if they know what to expect in advance, so it's important to explain to people that they should ask before doing something that might make the person self-conscious. time startled.
    • For example: "I'm going to the garage. If you want to get out of the room or cover your ears, just do it."
  3. Explain that autistic people may exhibit behaviors that are initially thought to be strange. These behaviors are called self-stimulation because they stimulate the senses. These behaviors can help them stay calm, focused, and communicative and prevent panic attacks. This may seem odd, but it is never advisable to stop an autistic person from engaging in self-stimulating behaviors. Some examples of self-stimulation are:
    • Swaying back and forth.
    • Repeat words and sounds (parody words).
    • Wave.
    • Snap your fingers.
    • Head banging. (Talk to a therapist or responsible adult if this becomes a problem. This can be physically damaging, so it's best to replace it with other self-stimulating behavior, for example, rapid head shaking. A therapist can help find alternative stimulating behavior.)
    • Jumping around and clapping her hands excitedly.
  4. Explain that self-stimulation is usually calm, as it produces predictable sensory cues. Similar to everyday routines, self-stimulating behavior can create a sense of security and predictability. For example, an autistic person may repeatedly hop on the spot. They can also listen to a song over and over again or draw a picture over and over. Their repetitive behaviors were related to their comfort level.
    • If you are trying to explain your child's autism to a friend, compare the sequence in which your friend's child is about to go to school. A child's pre-school sequence is usually: breakfast, brushing teeth, dressing, preparing a school bag, etc. The same routine, but sometimes the steps can be messed up. The average child won't see any effect if the sequence is reversed one day, such as getting dressed before breakfast. However, for children with autism, these changes will seriously disorient them. If your autistic child is used to a routine, try to stick to it.
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Method 5 of 5: Teach your child about autism

  1. Make sure your child is ready to discuss it. It is important to be honest with your child, especially if he or she has autism, or is wondering about a friend with autism. But equally important is making sure your child is old enough to understand what you say and not confused or overwhelmed. Every child is different, so it is not possible to set a standard age when talking to them. This depends on your own opinion.
    • If your child is autistic then it is best to speak early. It can be very stressful when you feel different from others but no one will explain to you why. Young children may simply hear simple explanations like, "I have a disability called autism, which means my brain works a little differently, and I need the help of a therapist."

  2. Explain to your child that there is nothing to be sad about with autism. Let your child know that autism is a disability, not a disease or a burden, and it's okay to be autistic. For older children, you can introduce the concept of neurodiversity and the disability movement; This will help the child.
    • Help your child understand that difference makes them unique and special. Talk about the advantages of autism: strong logical and principled thinking, compassion, passion, concentration, loyalty, and desire to help (social responsibility).

  3. Encourage your child. Remember to encourage your child to say that autism makes them different but equally valuable. Your child can comfortably participate in activities at school and at home and lead a happy life.
  4. Remember to show love for children. Always tell your child how much you love and care for them. It is important that children receive the right support, especially in the face of a disability; Children are able to live a happy and productive life with the support of everyone. advertisement

Advice

  • Don't be disappointed if the person you explain seems ‘’ doesn't understand ’. Stay calm, try to answer their questions and help them better understand autism.
  • Suggest that the person have a few websites that talk about autism. See the sources in this article for some suggestions.

Warning

  • Never stop autistic people from engaging in self-stimulating behavior.
  • Be cautious when recommending autism sites to others. Some organizations (especially those run by parents) lower autism and focus on abuse rather than respect and concern. You should focus on the autistic person's own organization or have many autistic people on the board.
    • Appropriate websites are those that use the 'pre-identifiable' language and encourage acceptance and discussion about adaptation instead of treatment.