Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew.

1. I'm a Child! I am a Child with Autism- not an Autistic child.

2. My senses are disordered. Ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of everyday life can be painful for me.

3. Language is difficult to understand. Please remember to distinguish between won't (I choose not to) and can't (I'm not able to). Speak to me in plain words.

4. I interpret language literally because I am a concrete thinker. Don't say, "Hold your horses cowboy!" when you really mean "Please stop running."

5. I don't know the words to say what I want, but might imitate things I hear. Be patient with my limited vocabulary. I may memorize phrases from the world around me to compensate for my language deficits.

6. I am visually oriented. This is because language is difficult for me. Visual schedules and lots of patient repetition help me learn.

7. Please focus on what I can do--rather than what I can't do. Look for my strengths and you will find them.

8. Help me be social. It may look like I don't want to play with other kids, but sometimes I just don't know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation.

9. Meltdowns are worse for me than for you. Try to help figure out what triggers the meltdown so we can prevent it!

10. I am worth it! Be patient! Love me unconditionally. Remember that it's happening to me, not you. Without your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you I'm worth it!

Thanks for supporting our students with Autism. You help make their education possible!