1. What makes us unique, makes us wonderful
Autism

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

3. 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!
…...

4. 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

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

6. What am I saying…..

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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!

12. 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?

13. 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

14. 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!

15. 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

16. 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

17. Thank you for listening!

18. Amazing things happen..