Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals in varying degrees of severity. It is a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and form relationships. Diagnosis of ASD is based on the presence of a triad of impairments, which include social skills deficits, language and communication difficulties, and difficulties with flexible thinking. People with ASD often find comfort in repetition and routine, and they can have difficulties with motor coordination and processing incoming sensory information.

Despite the unique challenges that people with ASD face, there are many misconceptions about the condition. Here are some things that a child with ASD wants you to know:

1. We Struggle to Make Friends

People with ASD often have difficulty forming friendships. They may have limited social skills and find it challenging to initiate social interactions. It’s not that we don’t want friends, we just struggle to make them.

2. We Struggle to Communicate, but This Does Not Mean We Are Not Trying to be Heard

Individuals with ASD may have difficulty communicating. They may have limited vocabulary, struggle with grammar, and find it challenging to express their needs and feelings. However, this does not mean that we are not trying to be heard. We want to communicate and connect with others, but it’s challenging when our expressive language skills are limited.

3. We Have Difficulties Understanding Spoken Words

People with ASD may struggle to understand spoken language. They may take things too literally, struggle with sarcasm or jokes, and have difficulties using non-verbal communication. It’s essential to communicate with individuals with ASD in a way that they can understand.

4. We Sometimes Use a Different Intonation Than Other People

People with ASD may use a different intonation or accent than those around them. Their voices may sound robotic or mechanical. It’s a characteristic of the condition and not something that should be criticized.

5. Imagination and Pretend Games Are Not Fun for Us

Unlike neurotypical children, people with ASD often do not enjoy imaginative play. They prefer routine and repetition and find spontaneity and surprises unsettling.

6. We Love Simple, Repetitive Activities

People with ASD find comfort in repetition, which is why they might engage in simple and repetitive activities. It brings them a sense of predictability and helps them to self-soothe.

7. Many of Us Like Thomas the Tank Engine

People with ASD may develop an interest in certain television shows or characters that have repetitive characteristics. Thomas the Tank Engine is one such example, and many individuals with ASD enjoy watching the show.

8. We Often Engage in Stereotyped Movements

Stereotyped movements are repetitive physical behaviors such as flapping arms, jumping up and down, or rocking back and forth. People with ASD often engage in these movements, and they can find it calming and soothing.

9. Some of Us Can Be Very Clumsy

Many people with ASD have underdeveloped motor coordination skills, which can affect their handwriting, time management, and overall coordination. However, not everyone with ASD struggles with motor skills, and some individuals can be skilled athletes.

10. We Have Difficulty Imitating Facial Expressions

People with ASD often have difficulty imitating facial expressions, which is an essential aspect of social development. However, they may easily echo other people’s words or actions in a meaningless fashion.

11. We May Ignore Loud Noises but Be Sensitive to Other Sounds

People with ASD may not respond to loud noises, but they can be extremely sensitive to other sounds that people barely notice. It’s important to be aware of the environmental stimuli that could be overwhelming and distressing for individuals with ASD and provide appropriate support.

In conclusion, ASD is a complex condition that affects individuals in diverse ways. The unique challenges that people with ASD face should be met with understanding and support. It’s essential to communicate with individuals with ASD in a way that they can understand and support them in their journey towards a better quality of life.