AUTISM CHILD BEHAVIOR

I attended a tele health last night that showed a very eye- opening documentary entitled "we thought you'd never ask." Follow this link for more info http://www.paulakluth.com/articles/Voices_dvd.html

I decided not to elaborate on how eloquently and profoundly the people in the documentary described autism.

Here are some of my notes / highlights from the answers provided by the adults living with autism spectrum disorders:

Defining autism is like defining the middle east.... Wide and variable

"So many things bother me that didn't bother other people.
Life is much more intense for me."

Autism is like being in prison for a crime you didn't commit. Talking about it and awareness allows us to be freed.

"Lots of people think it is awful but it's just different"

What is Challenging about living with autism?
Society is too fast.Too much chaos and confusion.
Being taken at face value.
Having to be taught how to be a friend.
"Every child has a manner crisis and lack of social skills... Not just us!"
The world sounds like Charlie browns mom.
Not understanding humor.
Parents having to advocate every inch of the process to get anything done.

What is good about autism?
We are very smart and creative people with open minds.
Not a conformist!
"Gotta be different to get things done."
"We inspire people to try."
Inventions are made by these types of people.
Knowing how to deal with people more severely disabled seems to come naturally to us.
We are good with facts and programming.
" I wish the business world would see us as an asset... We are detail oriented and get things done because we are focused."
"If it wasn't for us we'd still be using a horse and buggy."

What is supportive?
"Enable me to live as I choose."
We are like you . We just need help to be a typical member of
society.
Be positive and only help when we want help.
"Don't over correct !"
Tell us what our rights are.
"Let us be heard not just seen."
Respect and believe in our abilities to be successful.
" We are differently abled not 'disabled' ! "
We do communicate all the time you just have to listen and watch for it.
We see what's going on in the room ( lights, sounds, colors )not the people.
We are fascinating, interesting, and have sensory differences.
Objectivity.

Remember that we are like the taste of tepid sake ( sweet, strong and unfiltered.)

Do you have any Advice?
Remember that God made us this way.
Friendship is vital.
Be as loving, kind and forgiving and available as possible.
Love us even at our worst.
Presume competence.
Ask yourself what kind of world you'd want to live in.
"The soul must be loved as it is."
Pair us up with aids that know something about autism. You wouldn't put a deaf child with somebody who can't sign.



Lite writers ( a special text to speech computer ) helped facilitate communication for those unable to articulate verbally.

I'd really love to know what you think about what they shared. As a mom , it was life changing to say the least.