Q & A For Peer Awareness
JK / SK (ages 4-5)
1.
What is autism?
When someone has autism, his or her brain does not work the same way as
yours. They might see, hear, and feel things differently. They might not talk,
or may act in a way that is different from you. They might flap their hands,
spin around, or only like certain toys.
2.
Why won’t he play with me?
Kids with autism don’t understand how to play like you do. It isn’t because
s/he doesn’t like you or want to, he just doesn’t know how. We have to teach
him how to play.
3.
Why does he make those sounds?
Some kids with autism can’t talk, or just talk a little bit. He can make sounds,
and his sounds sometimes tell us when he is happy or upset. Other kids with
autism can talk. Some kids might even repeat things they have heard over
and over again.
4.
Why does he get upset and act like that?
Sometimes he gets frustrated because he can’t tell us what is wrong, or what
he needs. That’s why we are teaching him to use pictures/symbols. He can
learn to use those to tell us what he wants.
5.
Why does he cover his ears?
Sometimes noises hurt his ears. Some kids with autism hear more or feel
more than other kids do. Some noise, like the recess bell, can hurt his ears.
Sometimes kids with autism don’t like the feel of some things, like PlayDoh.
We can help him by trying to be more quiet when he covers his ears, or let
him know that the bell is about to ring.
6.
How come he won’t share his toys?
He might not share his toys because some things are very special to him, just
like your favourite toys. He might not understand that if he shares, he will still
have his toy returned to him after a while. We can teach him to trade toys.
Maybe he doesn’t understand that you want to play with him and his toy, and
thinks that you will take it away. We can help him to share and play by taking
our toy and playing with him. He might like to watch you to learn how to use
another toy.
Pg 2 – Q & A
(JK / SK)
7.
Why does he get to bring a toy to circle?
It might be hard for him to come over to the group, because kids with autism
have a hard time changing from one activity to another. For example, he
might have a hard time leaving the sand play to come to circle. Bringing a toy
might help to make it easier. It might be hard for him to sit in circle, so
bringing a toy might help him to stay longer. We can help him to enjoy circle
time by including songs and activities that he likes.
8.
Why won’t he try our snacks?
Some kids with autism have a hard time trying or liking new foods.
Remember that we talked about noises hurting his ears? Well, some food
might feel yucky on his tongue. He might only like to eat the same few foods,
probably just like some of you!
Q & A For Peer Awareness
Elementary School (ages 6 – 12)
1.
What is autism?
Children with autism think differently and act differently because their brains work
differently. Sometimes children with autism have trouble understanding what you
are saying. Sometimes they have a hard time using words to tell you what they
need. Sometimes they can’t talk at all, and might use pictures to communicate.
A lot of times they play by themselves because they don’t know how to play with
you. But everyone is different, that’s what makes being friends with others kids
more fun! Children with autism are special in many ways, just like you, and have
families that love them very much. They can learn and grow up to have friends
and go to school like you do.
2.
What causes autism?
No one knows for sure why some children have autism. We do know that their
brains work differently. There may be many different reasons. Children are born
with autism. You cannot ‘catch’ autism from a classmate or friend.
3.
What are some things children with autism might do?
Some kids with autism may:
 Make strange noises, have trouble talking, or not talk at all.
 Behave or play in ways that are different from you, flap their hands, laugh
a lot, spin, line up toys.
 Be very active, or may prefer to spend time alone and away from others.
 Have difficulty looking right at you.
 Do or say the same things over and over again.
 Might laugh when you get hurt or you get into trouble.
4.
Why does a child with autism act this way?
Children with autism do not see, hear, or feel things the same way you do.
Sometimes certain noises may hurt their ears, like the fire alarm or recess bell.
Sometimes they might not like the feel of certain things, like PlayDoh, and really
like the feel of other things, like water or sand. Sometimes they may laugh when
you are hurt or upset, but they are not trying to be mean. They just don’t
understand that you are feeling hurt or sad.
Pg 2 – Q & A
(Elementary)
5.
Why do children with autism get frustrated?
Children with autism have difficulty telling us what is wrong. Sometimes they
don’t have words to tell us, so they may use their actions instead. They might
make noises, flap their hands, jump up and down, or other different actions.
Children with autism can get upset when their schedules change, or when they
have to leave one place to go to another place. New or different things may be
scary for them. They may cry, cover their ears, or run away.
6.
What can you do to help someone with autism?
Children with autism have a difficult time understanding what we say. It is hard
for them to understand our facial expressions (ex., smiling, frowning, etc.) or
what our body says (e.g. hands on our hips, pointing our finger, etc.)
Sometimes, showing them a picture or an object can help them to understand
better. For example, if you are asking your classmate to come and colour, show
her a crayon and paper while you are talking.
7.
Do children with autism go to school?
Children with autism go to school to learn and make friends, just like you. They
may be in your class, or may be in a special class. Their teachers give them lots
of practice to help them learn new things. Sometimes, they have an
assistant/aide to help them. Some kids might use pictures to communicate, and
some kids might even have a special computer that ‘talks’ for them!
8.
What are children with autism like when they grow up?
Children with autism can learn to do all sorts of things when they grow up, just
like you. Some might go to college or university, like you. Some might get jobs
doing things they like and are good at, like working on a computer, or at a
grocery store, or being an artist. Even though they will always have autism, they
learn to make friends, have a job, and have a happy life.
Pg 3 – Q & A
(Elementary)
9.
How can I be a friend to someone with autism?
Remember that people with autism aren’t that much different from you. They
have lots of different feelings, just like you. They are good at some things, and
not so good at other things, just like you. You can learn a lot from each other!
Here are some ideas to help you to be a friend to someone with autism:

Be yourself!

Understand that your friend with autism is different.

Talk in short sentences with simple words.

Use gestures, or pictures, or objects to show your friend what
you are saying.

Join your friend in activities that they like.

Invite your friend to play with you and your friends.

Sit near your friend to help him/her if they want you to.

Help other kids learn about autism by telling them about your
special friend.
References
1. Autism Society of America. (2004). Growing Up Together. Bethesda,MD.
20814-3015.
2. Autism Society of Collin County. (2001). Autism…Information Written for
Kids. Plano, TX. 75093.
3. Autism Society of America. (2004). Sibling Issues. Bethesda, MD. 208143015.
4. info@ncrel.org. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.