What should I do when I meet a child with…
AUTISM?
Information Provided by:
BTEC Behavioral Therapy, Inc.
1508 W. Garden Street Pensacola, FL
850-483-1508
www.btectherapy.com
Today, it is estimated that 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with Autism. Unfortunately, its causes are still widely unknown. The
disorder is characterized by difficulties with social interactions, language and communication delays, and repetitive interests or
behaviors. Autism is known as a “spectrum disorder”, with many different levels of severity and symptoms. Just as with all
populations of people, children affected by Autism are very diverse. Therefore, it’s important to remember that
“If you’ve met one person with Autism…you’ve met one person with Autism”. (Dr. Stephen Shore, Ed.D.)
In recent years there has been a huge effort made on both the national and local levels to make the general public more “aware” of
Autism. While those efforts have been largely successful, many people are still unsure of how they should “act” when they meet
someone affected by Autism. Here are some tips we’ve compiled from the perspective of a child with Autism…
DO…
Remember that I am a person “affected by”
Autism, not an “Autistic person”.
Ask me about my interests. Just like anyone else, I
will be more likely to interact with you if you ask
about something I’m interested in.
Use normal language in a natural tone of voice –
no “babytalk”.
Try to use concrete language.
I often interpret things very literally.
Come down to my eye level if I’m smaller than
you, just as you would with any other child.
Be patient if I have a limited vocabulary.
Pay attention to my body language, signs of
withdrawal, or agitation – they could be signs that
I’m uncomfortable or unhappy but unable to
“put it into words”.
“Show” when you “tell” me instructions.
I am often more visually oriented,
and it helps me understand.
Encourage other children to invite me to join them
when playing. I may want to play, but may be
unsure of how to initiate it.
Pay attention to how my parents and caregivers
interact with me. Ask them questions about my
sensory perceptions, triggers, and reactions.
Take it slow. Do an activity I might enjoy or play
nearby, and let me come to you. Give me some
space and time to warm up to you.
Focus on what I can do – just like other children, I
have many unique talents and gifts.
DON’T…
Let Autism define me. First and foremost,
I am a child and a person.
Assume that I’ll always be interested in the same
things as you. Just like all children, I have a unique
set of likes and dislikes.
Worry if I don’t always respond appropriately or
not at all. I may not have the language I need to
answer your questions, or may not be interested.
Use puns, metaphors, sarcasm, etc. They often
make no sense when I interpret them literally.
Stand over me – it might feel intimidating.
And, never talk about me like I’m not here…
I can hear everything you say.
Always expect that I have the language to express
how I’m feeling. Pay close attention to my
actions… they could be telling you something!
Give exclusively spoken instructions, especially
when I’m initially trying to learn something.
Always expect me to initiate social interactions.
I may want to participate but may be
unsure of how to begin.
Assume that my sense of sight, sound, smell, taste,
or touch is the same as yours. My perceptions are
sometimes disordered or heightened – what
sounds or looks normal to you may be
very uncomfortable for me.
Make me feel pressured or
forced to interact with you.
Focus on my deficits – it makes me feel like I’m a
person that needs to be “fixed”.