How People with Aperger's/Autism Want to be Treated

According to the video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIXOzUZktU) on YouTube, it is a relief for people with autism to know why they are different.  They also want others to know that they want to communicate and feel trapped.  It is important to understand why they have tantrums, don’t talk, don’t look people in the eye, or sometimes even offend people if they have communication skills.  

Social situations are very difficult, even though some people with autism want to interact with peers.  They feel left out and are sometimes teased.  The Fort Mill Times in South Carolina (http://www.fortmilltimes.com), reported on a presentation that Zach Schmitt did to earn his Eagle Scout ranking.  Zach has autism and has been made fun of, insulted, and left out of sports.  He had several stations where students were to experience hands on what someone with autism experiences.  He had things like reading glasses covered in Vaseline to show how it feels to be a slow reader, a jump rope made of yarn, and had them play catch with two tennis balls to show how difficult hand-eye coordination is.  Students reported that they had more respect for people with autism and now realize how difficult things can be.  These would be good activities to do at school, for students and teachers, to demonstrate the challenges faced when you have autism.                  

People with autism want others to have empathy and understanding.  Temple Grandin said that even normal people lack empathy.  They don’t have empathy for the kid having a meltdown because there is too much stimulation in the cafeteria, or the kid screaming at the baseball game because there is too much stimulation.  It’s difficult to know if certain people with autism know they are different or being teased.  However, it’s important to remember that you may be hurting that person and definitely are hurting those who love him.  Treat others how you want to be treated…with respect.

Resources:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyld=5488844

http://www.fortmilltimes.com

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIXOzUZktU