what not to say to someone with autism

Though it certainly comes with its unique challenges, many with autism do not view their disorder as a... 3. Top 8 Things You Should Never Say To a Person With Autism 1. You should say person with autism…” Most autistic people prefer identity first language over person first, though, everyone should be free to self-identify however they prefer. People tend to see autism as a tragedy, but autism is a way of being and is not possible to separate the person from autism. Perhaps like you, over the years I have learned ways to enhance my communication with those on the autism spectrum: be concrete, don’t assume knowledge, use a soft voice, don’t use sarcasm or metaphors, be direct but non-judgmental. Don’t humble-brag/compare/complain about your neurotypical kids. If you are not the parent of a child with autism, none of these scenarios may ring a bell and you may not have any feelings about them one way or another. “But you seem so normal.”. 5. The adage goes, if you know someone with autism, you know someone with autism. “Person-first” language has become what’s called for: that is, calling someone a “person with autism” – describing what a person has, not what a person is. “Come and join me/us for a meal”. Do not police how we refer to ourselves. People living with autism are no more like Rainman than you are like his brother, Charlie Babbit. In addition, sometimes developmental delays can accompany autism (for example delayed speech). People with autism are often sensitive to sensory information (touch, smell, noise…). 2. However, there are other things you can say that make it clearer what you want a child to do. If you Google people with autism, they will look like regular folks. You’re fine. If you have a child with autism, it may not be that simple. People with... 2. I was never directly taught what not to say to someone on the spectrum. Autism is another way that the world is looked at.” 13. The problem is, these subtle social guidelines are everywhere and, more often than not, autistic people break them without a second thought. In fact, a surprisingly large number of people on the spectrum have photographic memories, perfect pitch, and/or an almost perfect memory for songs, poems, and stories. Rainman isn’t the only damn autistic person on earth. Mean it on the days when autism is all they can talk about and on the days when they need an extra set of hands. You seem so normal. That said, there's one thing you should never do. Taking any of the words used to describe autism to say something negative about a person (whether they are autistic or not) is incredibly disrespectful. You are taking something that should be celebrated and making it an insult. “You should be very proud of yourself. 11 Things Not to Say to Someone with Autism 1. … The positive outcome of this growing number is that there is a corresponding explosion of resources available. Persons living with ASD can be loners and find difficulty in social interactions. Top 8 Things You Should Never Say To a Person With Autism 1 You don’t care about anybody but yourself. Let me explain. 2 You are being (selfish, lazy, bratty, naughty, rude, etc.) Even though it may seem like we are... 3 Autism is just a made up condition used to excuse bad behavior. 4 Saying this to someone who has autism is like saying this... Eleven Things You Should Never Say to a Parent Who Has A Child with Autism. “My personal favorite: ‘Oh, I know someone with autism.’ *Person continues to ramble generic stereotypes like a lecture and ignore you as an individual. People with autism may experience avalanche-style misunderstandings. Here are some things you should not say to people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): 1. You don’t care about anybody but yourself Let me explain. Even though it may seem like people on the autism spectrum don’t care about others (and it may be true that some don’t), many do. We just might not show this in ways most people understand. Even though it may seem like people on the autism spectrum... 2. like I am a very social person I act like people are my best friends and talky to them like I've known them forever or tell them very personal things within minutes of … 20 Things Not to Say to a Person on the Autism Spectrum 1. Nothing particularly offends me that much, I’m not a sensitive person. She’ll outgrow this. This is tailored to adults who were diagnosed with Aspergers, but the list can apply to many ages and many conditions other than Aspergers Syndrome. 15 Things You Should Never Say To An Autistic 1. “I’m sorry.”. Which is a pity because if you looked like Tom Cruise, had his bank balance, and were less ignorant, then maybe, just maybe I could put up with your rampant stupidity. … Autistic people may have … Do say. Here are more specific phrases you can use to get your child to “calm down” while also teaching them how to do so. “I’m sorry.”. Your child will probably find these incredibly hard. They have… But there was a gap in my knowledge. So telling a parent this is NOT comforting at all. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. In many cases, they have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details. You can talk though…”. You don’t care about anybody but yourself Let me explain. “‘I am so sorry you have that.’ There is nothing to be sorry about. ASD affects people in different ways and can range from mild to severe. I couldn’t tell that you’re Autistic.” While this is... 3. 8. “You are not alone.”. Your son doesn’t look autistic. The main thing is … “Take a … Person first language is most commonly used by parents, caregivers, and other neurotypical persons. It hurts. “So is that like being retarded?” Factually speaking, Autistic people in many cases do not have an intellectual or... 2. You will find, if anything, too much. “You’re just a bad parent;”. Sit next to your friend at a computer and google “autism resources” in your area. But now I realize that it wasn’t fair to tell everyone what NOT to say to a parent of a child with autism, if I don’t give some advice on what TO say. These few words are the open invitation of friendship and support, which is then up to them to take it up or reject it. 1) He looks so normal. If others’ preconceptions do not extend to this, and as a result we become shy and tentative about the word “autistic”, then those preconceptions will be reinforced and strengthened. Well aside from things that would offend anyone, like insults, you would think the worst thing to say to an Aspie would be something discriminatory against their condition. Manners aren’t just polite words. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment that people with ASD can have. We are taught that to put the person first, as a diagnosis is just an additional part of the person and not the definition of the person. This is NOT the case for all people with autism and you can help your loved one by asking thoughtful questions to learn more about their needs.