10 Things Neighbours Should Know About Living Next Door to Child on The Spectrum

1. Please be patient with us, sometimes my child will make noise that is unfamiliar or annoying to
you. This may just be the way he or she communicates and there may be times that are louder
than others. Take our loud time to mow your lawn.
2. Please do not assume that the approach you see me take with my child when they are in a
meltdown means that I am too soft. The tantrum you see is my child’s way of communicating
that something is wrong. Its an emotional rollercoaster and I am trying my best as a parent.
3. My child struggles with reading body language and social cues. Take this into consideration
when speaking with them. They need literal language and not sarcasm and similes with big
gestures.
4. Educate yourself about Autism so you have a better understanding and if you have children it
will make explaining to them easier.
5. Autistic comes in different shapes and forms, everyone who has autism is unique and never the
same.
6. If you see my child wandering off, please come get me or call me (514-123-4567).
7. Eye contact is difficult for my child, so it makes it hard to socialize for them. If you have children
explain to them that it may take extra time for my child to process what is being said or asked,
they might shy away because they are unaware of how to interact. Its not that my child does not
want to play street hockey its that they do not know how to ask.
8. My child works best with structure and does not like change. If they see you every morning or
evening, they will get used to this and be more comfortable around you.
9. Autism is an invisible disability at times, do not be afraid to ask me questions.
10. Not all my children are autistic and its not contagious.