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: Because of My Autism I May:

- 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:
- 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;

(Sensory Overload / Emotional Overload /

Information Overload);

A Meltdown may include Crying, Physical Aggression,

Thrashing About, Rocking, Pacing and / or Fainting.

How YOU Can Help: If I Start To Experience A Meltdown:

- 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;
AUTISM – Let your COLOURS run free
- 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.
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;

Put together by an Autistic Person, For Autistic People

From a wide range of online resources.