When you see something in front of you

When you see something in front of you, a person with autism might see something different than you. Sometimes their brain interprets things in different ways.

Find X. 4+X=9 Your answer: X=5

Find X. 4+X=9 Their answer: X is here.

Ugly Shark

Goblin shark. A rare, deep sea shark that eats cephalopods and crustaceans near the sea floor. It’s elongated, flattened snout is able to sense minute electric fields produced by nearby prey….

I like to play video games and sports like soccer and basketball I like to play with friends I like to read I like sweets and milk I like it when people listen to me Do you like any of these? I don’t like writing I don’t like to practice piano I don’t like many vegetables I don’t like it when people are loud I don’t like it when people are bossy Do you dislike any of these?

I enjoy telling kids everything I know about the subjects I find interesting, even if no one else is interested. I like to make silly jokes that people don’t always understand or like. Is this something you would do? I feel unhappy when people don’t understand what I am talking about, or think I take too long to finish things. It hurts my feelings when kids don’t follow the class rules and I get in trouble for tattling. Have you thought about this?

Sometimes kids with autism feel the need to repeat the same facts over and over again and you might wonder why! You will see me talk about things that interest me, so I can share what I know well. Other times, autistic kids need to do things with their hands or bodies to calm themselves down. You will see me chew my shirt, or pick at my socks, or hear me humming, so I can concentrate. This also helps me when I am upset.

I need go out of the room to a quiet place for a “brain break”. I need the person to listen to my full explanation, or give me theirs. I need to move my body around and engage in my “distracting behavior”. You may need to get out of your chair for a minute to get some water. You may just need to say, “Stop it!” You may just need an apology. You may need to sit quietly and relax. You may need a hug.

Right now 1, 600 children in Michigan are diagnosed with some form of autism. In 10 years, there will be over 10, 000 children diagnosed with autism in Michigan. Many kids with autism are in regular classrooms just like you. Most kids with autism have unique ways of expressing ideas, and many of them can remember amazing facts, and solve complex problems.

We want to have friends. We want to learn. We want to have fun. We want to be independent.