Autism
What Is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong condition that affects how people understand and interact with the world around them. People with autism may see, hear, and feel things differently from others. It is not a disease or something that needs to be “cured.”
Autism affects everyone differently. Some people may need more help with learning, daily tasks and socialization, while others can be very independent and make friends easily. Many people with autism have unique strengths, such as excellent memory, strong problem-solving skills, or talents in areas like art, music, or science. With the right support, people with autism can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Social Implications of Autism
People with ASD often find everyday challenges and the unknown overwhelming, leading to frustration. This can manifest as confusion and anxiety, leaving them more susceptible to depression and other mental health issues.
Social interactions can be particularly difficult, as individuals with ASD might struggle with making friends due to limited social skills. They may find it hard to understand multiple names or labels for things, and often exhibit delayed speech. Conflict resolution can be challenging, requiring additional assistance.
Body language, a key component of nonverbal communication, is often difficult for those with ASD to use or interpret, making it hard for them to express their own emotions, maintain eye contact, or understand others’ feelings.
Starting or sustaining conversations can be a daunting task. They may also display restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. While they might excel at rote learning, processing information can be difficult.
Sensory sensitivities to sound, smell, sight, taste, pain, and temperature are common, sometimes leading to self-injurious behavior as a means of coping.
These challenges underscore the importance of support and understanding from society to help individuals with ASD navigate their unique experiences.
How to refer to a person with autism
- Autistic: Avoid using autistic as a standalone adjective as this may be perceived as reducing a person to their diagnosis
- Suffering from autism or victim of autism
- Slow
- Dumb
- Special-ed
- Crazy
- Person/individual with Autism or ASD
- Autistic person: However, avoid using ‘autistic’ as a stand alone adjective as this may imply reducing a person to their condition. Some people with Autism may refer to themselves as ‘Autistic’ as a stand alone adjective as a reclamation of the term. When used in this context by an Autistic person, it is generally not considered to be offensive.
Remember to ask for the respectful word to refer to individuals with autism in your local language.
Remember, if you don’t know how an individual prefers to refer to their autism, use person first language. Prioritize the individual and use their names.
Most importantly, ask the person with autism which terms they prefer.
General tips on how to include people with autism
Choose a comfortable place to communicate with a person with autism.
Allow them to choose an environment that works best for them.
Speak one person at a time
Provide information in a logical order to limit confusion
Use diagrams and illustrations where appropriate
Encourage diary use to avoid confusion and be organized
Specific tips on how to include people with autism in education/training
- Create a structured learning environment: Use schedules and visual aids to make tasks and routines clear.
- Offer personalized support: Work with families and specialists to adapt teaching methods to the student’s needs.
- Be flexible with communication: Allow the use of assistive devices, pictures, or writing for communication.
- Encourage peer inclusion: Teach classmates about autism to build understanding and promote friendships.
- Provide quiet spaces: Offer a calm area where students can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Specific tips on how to include people with autism in employment
Customize roles and tasks: Match tasks to the individual’s strengths and interests.
Offer clear instructions: Break tasks into small, manageable steps, and provide written instructions when possible.
Foster a supportive work environment: Educate coworkers about autism to encourage acceptance and cooperation.
Accommodate sensory needs: Adjust lighting, reduce noise, or allow noise-canceling headphones if needed.
Be mindful of social expectations: Provide guidance on workplace etiquette and allow flexibility in social interactions.