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Month: December 2022
Understanding my friend with Autism
Hi , welcome to today’s blog
Today is going to be very interesting and useful writeup
This can be beneficial for both the NT and ND world
We always struggle with accepting the hard fact that children with ASD don’t know the skill to build friendships
While I also believe the other side or the neuro-majority don’t even know how to be friends with the autistic population but nobody really wants to talk about this. We always try to fit in the autistic person into our world but why can’t we work harder and be kinder to fit into their beautiful world
I ll throw some light on how to be friends with an autistic person
So , lets begin the action
It is important to understand your friend , then only you can cultivate a life long and meaningful friendship. This goes true in terms of a neuro divergent person . As a friend you must be aware about your neurodivergent friend’s personality . Well this is the very first and most important strategy. This is the foundation of tips that I am going to talk ahead.
Number 1 strategy
When you befriend them be aware that they love routines and order in their life just like you love certain things
This means understand and empathize when they request to keep things at a certain plan and in a particular order
Number 2 strategy
Sometimes the pictures make them understand , what they are going to do next. They like to know the plan before . They don’t like sudden change of plans or a sudden plan.
Number 3 strategy
They like to line up things at times and this is pretty normal for them. Don’t bother them or oppose them . This can make them sad or mad
Number 4 strategy
They like the things to happen the same way every time. So it is quite normal for them to wear the same night suit daily . Or they might like just chocolate cakes in a party. When you acknowledge this , they feel you understand them better and they can trust you.
Number 5 strategy
They might get confused with words you use. So you should say exactly what you mean. They don’t get it when you say “ it is raining cats and dog today”. Or when you say riding a bicycle is just “like a piece of cake”. They don’t talk in metaphors and similes
Number 6 strategy
They might not always get the feelings you show on face. So don’t take it personally , when you show them that you are disappointed by your facial gestures.So please tell them verbally that you are mad or disappointed
Also sometimes they might talk too much or too little . You should keep this in mind as well.
Number 7 strategy
They like to be organised and they can be forgetful . So we should be prepared for both scenarios
Number 8 strategy
They won’t always look at you when you talk to them. They might be feeling overwhelmed. But remember they are listening to you and paying you attention
Number 9 strategy
They sometimes don’t like to be touched. So don’t feel bad if they don’t give you or reject your warm hugs
Number 10 strategy
They can be sometimes hyperfocussed about a thing , task or situation.So they might ignore you . It is good idea to give them personal space so that you can ask them later to play with you or join you in a fun activity
So I feel , these will surely help any child belonging to neuro- majority to make an autistic child their best buddy.
Parents,Teachers and rehab professionals can always talk about these with a child to make them understand on approaching a child with autism and mind you this is not difficult at all
It our responsibility to create a better a friendly environment for every child in this world despite their neuro-developmental profile
So buckle up … we can do it
Thankyou
Creative efforts and Autism Activist – Heena Sahi
A beautiful creative representation of my write up “Understanding my friend with Autism” is done by my young friend with Autism, 12 year old Vinayak Raj.