Everyone
If you don’t know any autistic kids, or a child in your life was just diagnosed, it can be easy to get lost in decades worth of (often contradictory) information and opinions. This blog is a great place to start for anyone interested in learning more about autism in children and how to support autistic kids and their families. Let’s go over 10 things you might not know about autistic kids, beyond harmful stereotypes and myths.
- How common is autism among children in BC?
1 in 21 kids in BC are autistic; that’s almost one autistic child in every classroom. There is no ‘growing out of autism’ so support and inclusion are important to autistic people of all ages. In childhood, parents, teachers, peers, and support workers all play a part in inclusion.
- How do autistic kids play?
The way autistic kids play may look different than other kids, and that’s okay! Autistic kids may enjoy sorting, counting, organizing, or parallel play, for example. All types of play and having fun are valid and different does not mean wrong. Celebrate these expressions of autistic joy.
- Do autistic kids need extra support in the classroom?
Autistic kids sometimes have Educational Assistants who support them in the classroom. This help does not mean that autistic kids are incapable, it just means they need the right support to succeed. Needing help is a universal experience and you can make a difference by respecting when that help looks different for different people.
- Do autistic children have special interests?
Often autistic people of all ages have special interests, which are subjects that we feel passionate about. These aren’t just obsessions. They are a way for us to connect with ourselves and the world around us. These special interests can bring us joy, comfort, and a sense of purpose. When you encourage the things autistic kids love, you’re helping them shine and connecting to them in a meaningful way. - Why do autistic kids sometimes flap their hands or rock themselves?
Stimming is a natural part of being autistic. Kids stim to express themselves and let out energy, not to be disruptive. Stimming helps to regulate our nervous systems and can be a great way to process emotions. Suppressing or shaming stimming can be extremely harmful. It’s a natural part of being autistic and the best thing you can do is provide enough space to let it out.
- How do sensory experiences affect autistic kids?
Sensory experiences can be exciting, scary, or overwhelming for autistic kids. Things like noise, bright lights, smell, and textures can add up really quickly to overwhelming. It’s important for them to have access to quieter, dimmer spaces with lower sensory input where they can take needed breaks. - Can autism run in families?
Autism can run in families. While genetics are not the only factor in someone’s chances of being autistic, it is a big component. A lot of parents find out they are autistic after their child is diagnosed and sometimes its hard for parents to see differences in their child because their child’s experience is so similar to their own. This is one of the reasons why whole-family support is so important.
- Are friends important to autistic children?
Like with all kids, friends are really important to autistic children. It can take autistic kids a little longer to connect, but once they do, they can make the most loyal friends. Autistic kids tend to make friends with people who are patient with them, give them time and space when they need it, and join in on autistic styles of play. All of these things can help autistic kids feel understood and isn’t that what everyone wants in a friend? - Can siblings of autistic kids be supportive?
Siblings who aren’t autistic can be powerful advocates and allies for their autistic sibling(s). Allistic siblings sometimes face challenges like feeling left out or taking on extra responsibilities, and they should be appreciated for their strength, caring nature, and willingness to stand up for their autistic loved ones. - Can autistic kids come up with creative ideas?
Autistic kids can come up with amazing and inventive ideas. Their different style of thinking can result in great out-of-the-box problem-solving! When you encourage autistic creativity you can see some amazing things!
Share this list to challenge misinformation and spread autism acceptance.
To learn more, visit our blog. It’s filled with information on caring for and supporting autistic kids.
