Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and experiences the world. That is the textbook definition, but it might be more useful to hear Autism from the point of view of those that live with it.
I have spoken with a couple of friends that have Autism and together we have identified the things that we struggle with, what we love and what sets us into overload. Some of this is from us and some is from educational videos about Autism. I know it’s a long post, but if you can spare a few minutes to read this and share, it could make some of us feel more understood and increase your understanding towards Autistic people.
Autism isn’t what you think it is.
It’s not reluctance to do what we’re told.
It’s not throwing a tantrum in the middle of a store, because we don’t get what we want.
It’s not purposely annoying our families by not eating what everybody else has, or not participating in family gatherings because we can’t be bothered.
Autism is laying in bed at night, reliving past conversations and contemplating future ones.
It is trying to figure out why you said something with a different tone than usual, and what you meant by it.
t is wondering if we said something wrong or overshared a point giving too much information.
It is not realising when you are getting bored or irritated by our hour long conversations on our interests.
It is struggling to identify when you are being sarcastic, and being made fun of because of this. And it is wondering whether you were happy, sad, angry or excited when you were speaking to us, and whether or not we are the reason for this emotion.
Autism is putting on a t-shirt and feeling as if we are being swarmed by fire ants. It is the constant itchiness of socks, and pain from wearing jeans that causes us to go into meltdown and take everything off - regardless of the appropriate setting.
It is having to buy a certain fabric conditioner and having to prioritise comfort over style, because otherwise we’d feel pain and discomfort from something that you wear like normal every day.
Autism is becoming overwhelmed when we’re in a room full of people, and doing everything we can in order to get out and compose ourselves.
It is that feeling as if everybody is staring because we aren’t doing something, or wearing something, in the same way as usual.
It is constantly feeling judged by anyone that walks by because we’re stimming or fidgeting when this isn’t what society tells us to do.
Autism is seeking the most bland or spicy food because anything in between causes unbearable sensory issues. It is basing our whole diets around avoiding a certain texture, or requiring one. It is suddenly stopping eating a certain food because the packaging changed unexpectedly, and it is distressing to cope with. It is knowing when the brand of a food has been changed and being incapable of tolerating the taste.
Autism is struggling to manage in the chaos of the world, and requiring a carefully set routine in order to prevent thoughts from spiralling.
It is becoming hysterical after the slightest change is made, even if it may seem tiny to a neurotypical person.
It is carefully planning a trip out and having to make sure everything goes to plan in order for it to be a success.
Autism is the overload of senses when we are out. The smells, sights, sounds, tastes and textures become unbearably loud and consuming, as we notice the smallest details.
Autism is the associated conditions. ADHD, Hearing impairment, Down’s syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Epilepsy, Fragile X Syndrome, Hyperlexia, Learning disabilities and so many others. This is Autism. For some of us, it is completely different. The opposite symptoms may be presented but as a start, I feel this paints a realistic picture of some struggles we face.