Wisconsin Autism Empowerment

Some of our group members shared things they wished to include in the panel information shared. Below are the pieces of wisdom that may help many.

Explain what autism is when it’s diagnosed.  Don’t keep it a secret from us.  We already know we’re different than our peers.  We imagine something worse than what it is.  Explain it in a positive way.  Unique, not broken.  Part of not all of us.  Seek out autistic mentors for us.  Help us find our community.  It’s likely one of the parents is autistic too, look at yourself and be a role model of positive autistic identity.

It’s horribly damaging to hear a failure, can’t do anything message over and over again.  When we’re constantly put down it sinks into our deepest sense of ourselves.  People who are very capable don’t even try anymore.  Point out our goodness.  Show our strengths.  Let the stupid little stuff go and get others to let it go too.  We all absorb the things said about us so please, please, please be mindful of what you’re doing to us.

Medications can help.  Medications can harm. Listen to us when we tell you how they make us feel.  Don’t make medications permanent solutions, just a temporary tool.  Constantly reevaluate.  A short term assist doesn’t need to be long term. 

Community is important for everyone.  Find your people.  Those who have the same quirks, habits, experiences, history.  A group you can be totally yourself in.  Others who understand the hard stuff because they’ve been there too.  Others can empathize but only one who lived it themselves can fully get it.

“Some normies are decent, not most of them, but some of them.” A wake up for all NT’s to step up and improve how you treat others!

When someone is venting to you ask them ‘do you want a sounding board or a solution board?’  Then you know to shut up and listen or listen then strategize fixes