What makes us unique, makes us wonderful Autism

Some people have Autism - what does that mean? A - Always U - Unique T - Totally I - Interesting S - Sometimes M - Mysterious

We share the same needs Me too! I want to be listened to I find some things boring to talk about Me too! Me too! Me too! I get frustrated when people don’t listen to me I enjoy talking about my interests Me too! Me too! I have autism! I want to feel appreciated and liked Me too! …...

Autism and Talking Some people talk a little.. Some people use their hands, pictures or apps to talk Some people talk a lot! Some people wait a while to talk Some people don’t talk at all Some people only like to talk about their favourite things

Sometimes we talk, sometimes we communicate... Eye contact Body language Sign language Using pictures and symbols Reading and writing Movement Gestures

What am I saying…..

Autism and Talking - what can I do to help? Be friendly Be kind Be patient Try to understand how the other person is feeling Try! And try again! Be open-minded Share an interest Give the other person time to reply Don’t be upset if you are ignored, interrupted or even insulted!

Out and about with Autism Most people can find it difficult to pay attention if they are bored, excited, tired or too many things are happening all at once. People with autism might find that there is a lot of distraction to deal with

Read this! ‘But I’m kind of used to how I look by now. I know how to pretend I don’t see the faces people make. We’ve all gotten pretty good at that sort of thing: me, Mom and Dad, Via. Actually, I take that back: Via’s not so good at it. She can get really annoyed when people do something rude. Like, for instance, one time in the playground some older kids made some noises. I don’t even know what the noises were exactly because I didn’t hear them myself, but Via heard and she just started yelling at the kids. That’s the way she is. I’m not that way’ Excerpt from ‘Wonder’ by R.J Palacia

Senses and Autism Some people like to experience different sights, smells, feelings, sounds Some people can find the same experiences scary or stressful Dark rooms Jumping up and down Sour tastes Metal music Dog barking Bright lights Parades and parties Salty tastes Pop music Baby crying Friends laughing Cold weather Ear muffs Being touched Heights Being squeezed

Out and About with Autism - what can I do to help? Say the person’s name to get their attention Give them some time to respond Repeat the question Speak clearly and use simple phrases Try and share their interest Offer them a break or time on their own Reduce distraction by talking one at a time, turning off music, keeping eye contact Try again later!

Interests and Autism We all have different things we like to do for fun, to relax and to pass time What do you like to do?

Interests and Autism Some people with Autism have a favourite interest or hobby and are very passionate about it! They can become very smart in an area and remember a lot, get very talented and a lot of people can grow up to have jobs connected with their favourite interest: Art Cooking Sculpture Drama Exercise Comedy Music Computers Coding Language Sports Geography History Flags Singing Playing an instrument Making things Organisation Remembering facts Animals

Share your interests! You may have something in common or share an interest with a person with autism. Talking about these things is a good way to make yourself and another person feel comfortable and respected. Sometimes you won’t like the same things - that’s fine! It’s good to learn from other people what they like and dislike about certain things. Just be kind!

Autism and Friends ‘No man is an island’ John Donne Someone to spend time with Someone who accepts me for who I am Someone who tries to help with my problems Someone who includes us Someone I can laugh and joke with Someone to protect me Someone to play games with

Autism and Friends A person with autism can sometimes: Know lots of interesting information Have exciting skills and talents Be very honest Be funny and exciting to spend time with Have a great memory Notice interesting things other people don’t Make great friends

Thank you for listening!

Amazing things happen..