Understanding Autism: What should my family know about me?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is complex actually, that immensely affects how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. Understanding the needs and preferences of autistic individuals is essential for fostering meaningful connections and providing appropriate support. Here’s a simple do’s and don’ts guide to help families better understand their autistic loved ones.
What do I Want?
●Acceptance: Autistic individuals want to be accepted for who they are, without judgment or the expectation to conform to societal norms.
●Understanding: We want others to understand that our behaviors, preferences, and communication styles may differ from neurotypical individuals.
●Respect for Boundaries: We appreciate respect for our personal space and sensory sensitivities.
●Clear Communication: Clear and direct communication helps us navigate social interactions more comfortably.
●Routine and Predictability: We thrive in environments with consistent routines and predictability.
What my Family Should Know particularly?
●Individuality: Autism Spectrum is huge!!!Each autistic individual is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another. Period!
●Sensory Sensitivities: Sensory sensitivities are common amongst us. Be mindful of loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and textures that may cause discomfort and pain.
●Communication Styles: It’s important to recognize the diverse communication abilities of all the autistic individuals. While some may speak fluently, understand and process information well, others may experience delays in processing and understanding or can have verbal communication difficulties. For those who are nonverbal, exploring alternative communication methods like visual supports, sign language, or assistive technology can greatly enhance their ability to express themselves and connect with others.
●Flexibility: While routines are important, be open to flexibility and adaptability when necessary. Unexpected changes can be challenging, but with patience and support, they can be easily managed.
●Empathy and Patience: Show empathy and patience in understanding our perspective. Recognize that meltdowns or shutdowns are not tantrums but are often responses to overwhelming sensory experiences, misunderstandings or communication challenges.
Dos and Don’ts!!
Dos:
●Do provide clear instructions and expectations: We thrive with clear, straightforward communication. When giving instructions or setting expectations, use simple language and be specific about what is required or expected from us.
●Do offer choices and alternatives whenever possible: Giving us choices empowers us and helps foster a sense of control over our environment which makes us happy and relieved. Offering alternatives allows us to express our preferences and make decisions that align with our needs and interests.
●Do encourage interests and passions: We often have intense interests in specific topics or activities. Encouraging and supporting these interests can be beneficial for our overall well-being and development. It also provides opportunities for us to engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.
●Do create a calm and supportive environment: Sensory overload and environmental stressors can be overwhelming for us. So, creating a calm and supportive environment involves minimizing sensory distractions, providing a safe space for us to retreat when needed, and offering emotional support during challenging moments.
●Do seek professional guidance and support when needed: Consulting with healthcare professionals, therapists, or autism specialists can provide valuable insights and resources to better support us and our families, so do reach out!
Don’ts:
●Don’t force eye contact or physical touch: Frankly speaking, eye contact and physical touch is uncomfortable and overwhelming for us. Please respect our boundaries, as we respect yours and allow us to engage in social interactions in a way that feels comfortable for us as well. Do not fix the norms for us, please!!
●Don’t dismiss or invalidate our feelings and experiences: Just because we may express our feelings or experiences differently does not mean they are any less valid. Take the time to listen to our perspectives and validate our emotions too, even if you may not fully understand them.
●Don’t assume competence based on outward appearances: Autism presents differently in each individual, and outward appearances may not always reflect our abilities or challenges accurately. Avoid making assumptions about our capabilities and instead focus on understanding our unique strengths, skills and support our specific needs.
●Don’t underestimate our potential for growth and development: We have the capacity for growth and development, just like anyone else. Provide opportunities for learning, skill-building, and personal growth, and celebrate our achievements and progress along the way.
●Don’t compare us to neurotypical standards: Avoid comparing us to neurotypical standards or expectations. Try to recognize and appreciate our individuality, strengths, and abilities, and celebrate our unique contributions to the world.
Hence, by understanding the wants, needs, and nature of autistic individuals, their families, friends and peers can create nurturing environments where their loved ones can thrive. For allistic individuals, embracing acceptance, fostering empathy and patience is key to building strong and meaningful relationships with autistic individuals. Thank you for reading!!
Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi
Founder SpecialSaathi