04/03/2025
Repost from .chinwewilliams
🌎 Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Autism is a form of neurodivergence, which means the brain processes information differently. Throughout April, you’ll learn about ways to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism worldwide.
Sometimes it can be tough for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to communicate and relate to others. So if you wonder what to say and do…these tips can help.
🔑Be patient and kind. It might be hard for some people with ASD to understand back and forth social interactions. Also, autistic people fall within a spectrum so every person you meet will experience and express their autistic traits differently.
🔑Be very clear. Autistic people often take things literally, so say exactly what you mean. They may not fully get jokes or sarcasm. Guide the conversation, if needed leaving space for them to process, then respond. However, Don’t speak over them or louder than you would to a neurotypical person.
🔑Rethink “typical” social cues. Your autistic friend may have trouble making eye contact and understanding facial expressions might not come easily or naturally. Not every neurotypical person enjoys eye contact and the same goes for those with autism.
🔑 Acknowledge Feelings. If your autistic friend, student or child is frustrated, emotional regulation may only happen once their feelings are acknowledged. They may want someone to know why they are frustrated, angry, or upset. Offering deep breathing exercises can help them with emotional dysregulation.
🔑Be supportive. It’s common for People with ASD to be be teased, rejected, bullied, or left out because of their differences. If you see an autistic person being bullied, stand up for them and, if needed, tell a trusted adult.
If you are autistic or have an autistic child, Is there anything else you’d add?
Graphic credit: .of.the.mind
