Some things to consider when talking to people with autism
Autism is a disorder that affects millions of people across the world. Autism is a developmental disorder that may affect the ability of a person to communicate and interact with others. Lack of awareness about autism has created a stigma around it.
If you are interacting with a person or child with autism, here are a few things to keep in mind.
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Do not make stereotype assumptions about the person by asking them about their maths skills. Every person with autism is different and has different skills and interests.
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Do not express surprise if the person with autism has a job or is in a relationship. There is nothing weird or strange about it. People with autism are just people like everyone else and have a life too!
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Do not compare one person with autism with another. People are not the same and everyone is born different.
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Do not feel sorry for someone who has autism. Encourage and stay positive around people with autism instead of being negative.
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It is not right to ask a person, what it is like to have autism. The question is insensitive and targets the person in a negative manner.
- Worse than everything would be to ignore a person with autism as if they do not exist. You might not get a response when you talk with them, but that doesn’t mean they do not wish to be social. Be patient with people with autism and do not give upon them!