How to explain autism to kids
Super High•How to Understand Your Amazing Autistic Friends
Everyone is unique and special. Just think about all the different things people like! Some people love the color blue, while others think yellow is the best. Some kids love to eat broccoli, and others would rather have carrots. It's fun that we all have our own favorite things, isn't it1? It turns out that people's brains can also work in different ways, and this is what makes the world so interesting 2.
Sometimes, a person's brain works in a way that's called autism. This is just another way a brain can be wired 3. If someone has autism, it means they might see the world, learn things, and talk to people in their own special way 3. Think of it like this: there are different kinds of computers. Some are PCs, and some are Macs. They can both do many of the same things, like play games or show you videos, but they work in their own special way 4. It's also a bit like having different kinds of pets. A cat and a dog are both wonderful animals, but they have different ways of playing and showing they care 4. Autism isn't an illness, and it's not something that you can catch like a cold. It's just the way some people are born 3.
Doctors and scientists have learned that autism is a "spectrum." This means that autism is a little bit different for everyone who has it 5. Some people might have a little bit of difference in how their brain works, and some might have more 5. It's like a rainbow – there are many different colors, and each one is unique. Having autism is something that stays with a person their whole life 7.
When we talk about how brains work differently, it's important to remember that just like our bodies are all different shapes and sizes, our brains are also unique. This variety is normal and makes each person special. Understanding that brains can work in different ways, including in ways we call autism, helps us to appreciate the wonderful diversity in the world. This understanding starts by knowing that these differences are not wrong or bad, just different.
Autism means that a person's brain might process information in a way that is different from how other people's brains process it. This can affect how they understand the world around them and how they interact with others. It's a part of who they are, just like your favorite color or your ability to run fast. Recognizing this as simply a different way of being helps us to accept and appreciate everyone for their individual qualities.
Because autism is a spectrum, it's important to know that it affects each person differently. There isn't just one way to be autistic. Each person has their own unique strengths and challenges. This is why getting to know someone and understanding how autism affects them specifically is so important, rather than making assumptions based on what you might have heard about autism in general.
Some kids with autism experience the world in ways that might seem a little different to you. Let's explore some of these ways so we can better understand our autistic friends.
How Some Kids With Autism See and Experience the World:
Some kids with autism have what we can think of as "super senses" 8. This means they might be very sensitive to things that might not bother you very much, like loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or the way certain things feel on their skin 8. Imagine if a fire alarm sounded like thunder right next to your ear – that's how it might feel for someone with autism 9. A scratchy tag inside a shirt could feel like tiny needles poking their skin 10. Some foods might have a taste or a feel in their mouth that is just too strong for them 10.
On the other hand, some kids with autism might not notice things that other people do 8. For example, they might not realize they are hungry or that it's very cold outside 8. These different ways of experiencing the world through their senses can sometimes make them feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable 8. When things feel too loud, too bright, or just too much, they might feel like they need to find a way to calm down.
You might see some kids with autism do things like flap their hands, rock back and forth, or make certain noises 12. These actions, sometimes called "stimming," can be their way of helping themselves feel calmer when their senses feel too strong or too weak 8. It's like when you might hug a favorite stuffed animal when you feel a little scared or nervous.
It's helpful to think about how we all have things that can sometimes bother us. Maybe you don't like the feeling of wet socks, or maybe a really bright sunny day makes you squint. For some kids with autism, these kinds of feelings can be much stronger and happen more often. Understanding this can help us be more patient and kind when our autistic friends react to things in ways we might not expect. Knowing that these sensitivities are a real part of their experience helps us to be more understanding of their needs and behaviors.
Some kids with autism have a really strong interest in specific topics or activities 15. They might know everything there is to know about dinosaurs, trains, or a particular cartoon character 16. It's like when you love something so much you want to talk about it all the time! They might spend a lot of time learning about these special interests 15. These interests can make them feel really happy and excited 16.
When it comes to talking and listening, some kids with autism might communicate in ways that are a little different 15. For example, they might talk a lot about their special interests because they are so passionate about them 16. Sometimes, they might not talk as much, or they might use other ways to communicate, like pointing at things they want, using pictures to show what they mean, or even using sign language 15.
You might also hear them repeat words or phrases they have heard other people say 15. This is called "echolalia." It might sound like they are just copying, but sometimes it's their way of trying to communicate something or to help themselves feel calm 18.
It's important to remember that our autistic friends might take things very literally 20. This means if you say something like "it's raining cats and dogs," they might actually look outside to see if there are cats and dogs falling from the sky! Jokes and sarcasm can sometimes be tricky for them to understand, so it's helpful to be very clear about what you mean.
Making eye contact can also feel different for some kids with autism 23. It might feel uncomfortable for them to look directly at someone while talking 26. If they don't look at you, it doesn't mean they aren't listening. They might just be focusing on what you are saying in their own way.
Just like everyone has things they are really good at, kids with autism often have amazing talents and abilities, especially related to their special interests. They might have incredible memories for facts and details or be able to focus on something for a very long time 27. These passions can lead to them becoming experts in their favorite subjects.
Many kids with autism also like to have routines 20. This means they like to do things in a certain order, and changes to their routine can sometimes be upsetting 20. For example, they might want to eat the same breakfast every morning or take the same way to school. Knowing what to expect helps them feel safe and comfortable 14.
It's really cool that everyone's brain works in its own way. Just like there are all sorts of different people in the world, there are all sorts of different brains, and that's what makes our world so interesting and fun 27. Having autism is just one kind of brain, and it's perfectly okay to be different. This idea that everyone's brain works differently is called "neurodiversity" 29. It means that the different ways people think and experience the world are normal and valuable 28.
How to Be a Great Friend to Someone with Autism:
Being a good friend is about being kind and understanding. Here are some ways you can be a great friend to someone who has autism:
Be patient 31. Sometimes it might take your friend a little longer to answer a question or to understand what you mean. That's okay! Just give them some extra time.
Be clear 22. Say exactly what you mean. Jokes and sarcasm can be confusing, so it's best to be straightforward.
Find out what they like 33. Ask your friend what their favorite things to do are and try doing some of those things together. Maybe they love playing with LEGOs, drawing, or talking about space.
Listen to them 31. If your friend wants to tell you all about their special interest, listen! It's important to them. You can also try talking about your favorite things too.
It's okay if they don't look at you 26. If your friend doesn't make eye contact, it doesn't mean they aren't listening. They might just be focusing in a different way.
Find quieter places 22. If loud noises or bright lights seem to bother your friend, try to find quieter and less busy places to play together.
Tell them about changes 31. If you know that something is going to be different than usual, like a change in plans, try to give your friend a heads-up. This can help them feel more prepared.
Everyone needs friends 22. Remember that everyone wants to have friends. Being kind and understanding is the best way to be a good friend to anyone, including someone with autism.
Ask them what they like 36. You can ask your friend how they like to play and what makes them feel comfortable.
Tell them how you feel 36. If something your friend does makes you feel confused or uncomfortable, it's okay to tell them in a calm and clear way. They might not realize how their actions affect you.
Awesome Books and Videos About Autism:
If you want to learn even more about autism, there are some great books and videos you can check out! Here are a few examples:
Picture Books: "We Move Together," "Pedro's Whale," "Really Really Like Me," "My Brother Charlie," "Looking after Louis," "A Friend Like Simon," "I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism" 37. These books tell stories about kids who have autism or help explain what autism is in a simple way.
Videos: You can find videos online that explain autism for kids, like the ones from Cincinnati Children's Hospital 41 or videos that show what it might be like to have autism 2.
These resources can help you understand autism even better by hearing from different people's experiences and learning in fun ways.
Conclusion: Being Kind and Understanding Makes the World Better for Everyone
Having autism means someone's brain works in a unique way, and every person with autism is different. Just like we all have our own favorite things and ways of doing things, our autistic friends have their own special ways of seeing and experiencing the world. Being kind, patient, and understanding towards everyone, including those with autism, makes our world a better place for all of us. When we celebrate our differences and learn from each other, the world becomes a more interesting and wonderful place to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What is autism? Autism is a different way a person's brain works. It can make it harder for them to understand some information and to interact with others in the same way that other people do 3.
Q: How do you get autism? Autism is something that people are born with. It's not something you can catch, and it's not caused by anything you or your parents did 32.
Q: Can you catch autism? No, you cannot catch autism. It's not like a cold or a flu. It's just a natural difference in how some people's brains develop 32.
Q: Why do some kids with autism do things like flap their hands? Sometimes kids with autism flap their hands or make other movements or noises to help themselves feel calm when they are excited, nervous, or overwhelmed by their senses 46.
Q: How can I be a good friend to someone with autism? You can be a good friend by being patient, clear in your communication, finding out what they like to do, listening to them, and being understanding if they do things differently 46. Remember to treat them how you would want to be treated – with kindness and respect.
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