We asked autistics what they would like people to know about being autistic. These were their responses: “I would like people to know that autism doesn’t have a “face”, a “profile” or the same characteristics, that’s why it’s a spectrum.…
Question: What kind of parent support helped you or would have helped you while growing up? Aditi Gangrade: Parent support that helped – my mom let me be. If I didn’t like doing something she wouldn’t force me to do it.…
Question: My autistic daughter tries to run away or elope at the slightest chance she gets. What could be the reason for this? What can be done to prevent this? Preeti Dixit: I don’t recall if I have ever eloped as…
Question: How were your adolescent years? Were they emotionally challenging? What kind of parent support would have helped make them less challenging? Joel Godi: My adolescent years were the most stressful and confusing time. Emotional regulation was definitely very imbalanced. On…
Question: How was your schooling experience? What were the challenges you faced in school? Did you feel lonely at school? Sweta Sukhani: The experience was traumatic. The rules were confusing, there was constant admonishing for most things like “appearing lost”, “being…
Question: What makes autistic kids inattentive/restless/hyperactive? Are they experiencing physical discomfort or sensory discomfort or something else? Navi A: What is inattentive? If they’re staring off into space they might be thinking about something. I’m often thinking about the physics of…
Question: What is empathy for you? Do individuals with autism really understand what others feel? It is misunderstood when individuals with autism smile or laugh out loud when someone is feeling sad or crying. Why do you think individuals with…
Question: What should I do when my child has a meltdown? Should I ignore him or should I try to calm him down? Preeti Dixit: I can share my experience of having a meltdown and what helps me. I have a…
Question: Do you have sensory sensitivities? What kind of sensory sensitivities do you have? How do you cope with them? Preeti Dixit: I have severe sound and touch sensitivity. I can’t stand loud sounds. Loudspeakers and firecrackers are a nightmare for…
Question: Why do autistics stim? Does stimming reduce with age? Should I stop my child from stimming? Sweta Sukhani: A direct NO to the third question! (Though I agree it has to be evaluated for the child’s own psychological and social…
