Autism Awareness Month

April 1 is the start of Autism Awareness Month.  There are several "special needs" issues that fall under the umbrella of Autism.  It affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys.  In fact, boys are nearly 5 times more likely to be affected by autism than girls.  There is no medical detection and no cure for autism.  Some are affected very mildly while others are affected much more severely.  (Facts from Autism Speaks)

One of the things I want to discuss first is how you approach someone with an autistic child.  It seems there are a number of misnomers about children with autism.  There's a picture that a host of people have in their head of what an autistic child looks or acts like.  People are quick to stare if the child is in the midst of a meltdown and aren't quite sure how to approach the parent.  Here are a few tips.....

*Please, for the love of God, don't stare.  Believe me, those that are affected by autism-related meltdowns may be "used to them" but not in the way you think.  For the parent, they can see them coming and do everything they can to prevent them but they are no less painful to watch your child suffer through no matter how many times you see it.  For the child, it is the most out of control experience they can suffer and it is not an experience they want to have put on front street.  Please don't stare, point, whisper or anything else I've observed with my own two eyes.  If you feel the need to tsk-tsk the parent for "allowing their child to throw a fit", my best advice is to raise your arm to shoulder level, bend at the elbow and punch yourself directly in the f-ing nose.

*Don't try to interfere with the child.  The worst thing you can do for a child suffering an autism-related meltdown is touch them, scold them, etc.  If you absolutely can't help yourself, touch mom or dad on the shoulder and ask if there's anything you can to do help.  Honestly, they, too, are suffering watching their child go through an out of control experience.  They generally just have to wait for it to pass it's worst point and then work to talk down the child.

*Please, please, please do NOT ever say to a parent of an autistic child, "Well he doesn't LOOK autistic." or "he looks normal."  That is the most insensitive, jerky thing to say to a parent of any child with a disability.  You don't "look" like you have autism.  There isn't a certain way that autistic children talk or, even, necessarily act.  Unless you have something positive to say, shush.

These are just three starter tips.  They seem obvious, except they're not.  I've watched people do all of these things with my own two eyes.  I've experienced these things myself with my son that is affected by Sensory Processing Disorder (which is under the umbrella of autism but is debated as to how much it is under the umbrella).  Please educate yourself and be compassionate.