Autism Acceptance

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with
the world. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. If
you are autistic, you are autistic for life; autism is not an illness or disease and cannot
be cured. Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity.

Autism Is A Spectrum Condition….

This is NOT a line: BUT a circle:

The spectrum consists of many different ‘traits’, or ways in which the brain processes
information. Each person with autism will have a different set of traits all in
different areas of the spectrum. Someone who is ‘neurodiverse in some areas of their
brain, will also be no different to your average person in other areas of their brain.

Autistic People Sometimes:

- Struggle with change, new situations and talking to new people;
- Get very anxious in social situations;
- Feel overwhelmed by Lights, Noise and Too Much Information;
- Need extra time to process information, particularly questions or instructions;
- Have difficulty seeing another person perspective and likely to interpret from
their own point of view;
- Have Meltdowns or go into shut down if it all becomes too much. Triggers for
which include:

(Sensory Overload / Emotional Overload / Information Overload);

A Meltdown may include Crying, Physical Aggression, Thrashing About, Rocking,

Pacing and / or Fainting.
 Because of My Autism I May:
- Panic if yelled at, and lash out (verbally / physically) if touched or restrained;
- Misinterpret things you tell me or ask me to do;
- Not be able to answer your questions;
- Appear not to be listening or paying attention;
- Tend to interpret statements literally;
- Appear rude or say things that may sound tactless, especially when anxious
or confused;
- Have difficulty making eye contact;
- Speak too loudly, too soft or with unusual intonation;

How YOU Can Help:

- Clearly state who you are;
- Please be patient;
- Speak slowly in a normal and calm tone;
- Allow me time to process what you have said;
- Check I have understood your questions by asking me to repeat them to you;
- Avoid touching or restraining me;
- Tell me exactly what I need to do clearly, simply and step by step;
- Do not ask too many questions at once;
- Due to processing difficulties, I may require a quiet or calm place;
- Support and encourage me, but do not put pressure on me;
- Please do not assume I do not have intelligence, or I am unable to make
decisions; I am autistic and anxious, not stupid;

Some autistic people wear the autistic symbol on their clothing, or have Awareness
Cards, Autism / Hidden Disability Lanyards – PLEASE be vigilant and aware of these.

DO NOT CHALLENGE, as this may cause undue distress and lead to a meltdown;

If I Start To Experience A Meltdown:

- Ask me what will help;
- If safe to do so, allow the meltdown to pass, do not touch or restrain me
unnecessarily (except for safety reasons);
- Lead me away to a quiet, calm space;
- If necessary, call one of my emergency contacts.

AUTISM – Let your COLOURS run free

Put together by an Autistic Person, For Autistic People

From a wide range of online resources.