Hey readers,
Autism is a condition that impairs a person's capacity for interaction and communication.
People with autism frequently experience prejudice from society. Given the societal conventions surrounding autism, it is pretty simple for non-autistic people to internalise ableism towards autistic persons.
Fortunately, it is possible to overcome these prejudices and develop a tolerance for autistic people, which will be discussed in this post.
1. Recognise any biases you have.
Recognise any factors that may be influencing your prejudice against autistic persons.
Is it a result of the environment you're in? Have you ever met someone who has autism? Unaware of it, many people internalise the information they are exposed to.
You need to be aware of your bias, even if you don't mean any harm.
What comes to mind when you think about autistic people? Is it a result of generalisations you may have heard?
It's critical to determine whether you have internalised ableism because it frequently has roots in other prejudices.
2. Be respectful.
Recognise that you might be acting in ways that an autistic person might find uncomfortable. Numerous autistic people experience sensory problems due to various sounds, sensations, tastes, or sights.
Don't do something if someone in your life, whether autistic or not, informs you that it makes them uncomfortable, such as loud noises like chewing and slurping, which might exacerbate sensory problems.
Don't take it personally if someone leaves the room or finds another solution, like putting on headphones if they've made it apparent that a sound is triggering their sensory issues.
Don't make things obvious. Many autistic individuals use repetitive habits as a calming technique.
Don't make a big deal out of something an autistic person does that you find weird.
These mannerisms include things like humming, tapping their foot, and back-and-forth swaying.
Inform them formally if they are creating a commotion.
Later, don't make a big deal out of it.
Pay attention to them. A special interest, sometimes known as a subject of particular enthusiasm, is something that many autistic individuals share.
Do not minimise them for their hobbies if they choose to discuss them.
Don't be harsh about it if it isn't a good time to talk! You don't want to discredit somebody for having strong opinions.
3. Educate yourself.
Find out more about autism. Due to its extreme complexity, autism is frequently referred to as a spectrum disorder.
Understanding how people with autism experience it is essential because no two autistic persons are alike.
Take care when choosing your sources. Since there is a lot of misunderstanding about autism, it's crucial to use resources from nonprofits and organisations that concentrate primarily on autism.
Don't go to Autism Speaks. Look for sources written by autistic people!
Speak to those who are autistic in your life.
Inquire of anyone you know who has ASD about their experiences. It's a lot simpler to understand that persons with autism are much like everyone else when you can interact with one in person.
Consider how you can assist them more effectively! It's crucial to help them just like you would any of your friends, whether lending a sympathetic ear about issues related to their disease or simply treating them like any other person.
Don't just approach someone with autism and ask them about it. If you are close enough to someone to be able to ask about their experience with the disease, only do so.
Cheers for reading X
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