Understanding Autism on World Autism Awareness Day.

Ever wondered what it feels like to be autistic in a world where normalcy is idealized? On this World Autism Awareness Day let us join hands with Saasvaap to make an effort to understand autism better and the challenges they face. Here's a quick read to help you with that.

Autistic Individuals face challenges with:

1. Every day changes like leaving the house or having visitors at home and long-term changes like moving into a new place can be challenging for autistic people.

2.   Understanding social cues, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language.

3.   Executive functioning, which includes skills such as planning, organization, time management, and working memory.

4.   Regulating their emotions, leading to meltdowns or shutdowns.

5.   Abstract thinking, such as understanding metaphorical language or interpreting sarcasm.

6. Anxiety-related issues like social phobia, hypervigilance, OCD, and avoidance behaviors.

Busting myths about autism:

1.   Myth: Autism is a result of vaccines.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause autism.

2.   Myth: Autistic people lack empathy.

Fact: Autistic people can have strong feelings of empathy, but may have difficulty expressing it in ways that are recognized by others.

3.   Myth: Autism can be cured

Fact: There is no cure for autism, but early intervention and treatment can help improve outcomes for individuals with autism.

4.   Myth: All autistic individuals have special abilities

Fact: While some autistic individuals may have exceptional abilities in areas such as math or music, not all autistic individuals possess special abilities.

5.   Myth: Autistic individuals are all the same

Fact: Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees.

6.   Myth: Only autistic children need special care.

 Fact: There are numerous autistic adults living a seemingly normal life with autism, who might also have special requirements.

How to interact with an autistic individual:

1.   Be respectful towards them as they deserve respect like any other human being.

2.   Be patient with them as they take longer to process information and respond to questions.

3.   Avoid sensory overloads like loud noise, bright lights, and strong smells.

4.   Respect their boundaries and be mindful of their personal space as they might have unique requirements.

5.   Use clear and direct language as they have difficulty understanding sarcasm, figures of speech, and idioms.

6.   Be flexible and give prior notice before a change happens.

Kindness and empathy can go a long way in someone's life, especially those with Autism. Hence, let us lighten up the life of Autistic Angels by understanding our part in their world.