Since April is Autism Month, there was a key celebration on April 2. This was Shine a Light on Autism Day. A day when blue lights signified support for those suffering from this disease and for the research that continues to seek out more medical advances in treating this disease. It also shines a light on Autism because more people need to have a greater understanding of the disease, what it means for the individuals and their loved ones when a diagnosis strikes a family, and how each person can be a source for help to those with autism.
Here is an example of someone who has done something unique to help:
Bob Renzas, who is an illustrator for Precious Moments, is helping to raise autism awareness by sharing “blue” sketches on social media. Bob has been sketching one character per day — everything from Doctor Who, to Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch), to Gonzo the muppet — and sharing them on Twitter for Autism Awareness Month.
Bob’s eight-year-old son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has come a long way in the over 5 years since he has been diagnosed. He is graduating from private speech and OT. He was diagnosed ASD just after his 3rd birthday. He shortly began private speech and OT therapy and then Early Childhood Education. He’s high functioning and accomustomed to be audio sensitive. He no longer needs headphones to go to theaters or loud crowded places; nor does he need a “fiddle object” as many children with autism do.
His current challenges are more social, but he is brilliant in school; particularly math and reading and he has a keen interest in science (astronomy, Earth science and weather). He is a great kid with a silly side. He’s a loving big brother son.
The sketches Bob is doing aren’t raising money, but raising awareness. And they have actually been a source of inspiration for Bob’s son.
How Every Person Can Help
Adults and children can help by learning to include, communicate with, understand and respect those with autism.
Include
- Take the initiative to include those with autism. They may desperately want to be included and may not know how to ask. Be specific about what you want them to do.
- Find common interests. It will be much easier to talk about or share something you both like to do – like movies, sports, music, or TV shows, for example.Encourage them to try new things because sometimes they may be afraid to try new stuff.
- Don’t ignore them, even if you think they doesn’t notice you.
Communicate
- Communicate clearly with those with autism. Speak at a reasonable speed and volume. It might be helpful to use short sentences. Use gestures, pictures, and facial expressions to help communicate. Speak literally without using confusing figures of speech. They often don’t understand slang and colloquialisms.
- Give your feedback. If your friend with autism is doing something inappropriate, it’s OK to tell them nicely. Just be sure to also tell them what the right thing to do is because they may not know. It will help them immensely.
- Take time to say ‘hi’ whenever you see those you know with autism. Even when you’re in a hurry and pass them in the hall, it means something to them for you to simply say ‘hi.’
- Be persistent and patient. Remember that your friend with autism may take more time to respond than other people so may be wait for their response a little longer than you are accustomed to waiting. It doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t interested. They may be trying to respond.
Understand
- Remember sensory sensitivity is critical for those with autism. Your friend may be very uncomfortable in certain situations or places (crowds, noisy areas, etc.), so ask if they are OK if you come across those situations. Sometimes they may need a break from everything.
- Ask questions. There is a reason kids with autism do things. If you figure it out, you might be able to help them even more.
- If your friend with autism gets agitated or overly excited, it’s probably because they are trying to communicate something. Something might really be bothering them or they might be afraid or frustrated and unable to communicate about it. Try to understand.
- If you need to ask an instructor or another adult for help, do it.
Respect
- Accept their differences and respect strengths just as you would for any friend who is not autistic.
- Don’t be afraid of your friends with autism. They are kids just like you. They just need a little help.
- Stand up for your friends with autism. If you see someone teasing or bullying a friend with autism, take a stand and tell the person that it’s just not cool to act that way. Don’t tease them.
Sometimes they may not understand the teasing. In fact, they may misunderstand typical social signals, like being friendly, that we take for granted. If other kids tease your friends with autism, pull those teasing aside and tell them to stop. If you are concerned they are being bullied, tell an instructor.
- Be helpful, but don’t be too helpful. If you’re too helpful, it may make your friends with autism feel more different. Let them try to do things first by themselves, then help out if they need it. Ask them to do things with you, but don’t just explain it to them, show them what to do so they can imitate you.
- Compliment them when they do good things. You can cheer, give ‘high-fives’ or just tell them ‘great work.’ They like to be encouraged just like you do.
- It’s OK to get frustrated with them sometimes or to want to play alone or with somebody else. If they won’t leave you alone after you’ve asked him nicely, tell an instructor or another adult who can help you.
- Find something to like, a special skill to admire, or a special interest they have. Some kids with autism are great with math, spelling, computers. They may have a great memory. Who knows? Maybe your friends with autism can help you!
Swimming’s Role in Helping Those with Autism
Yes, everyone needs to be aware of how we can each help those with autism. But for us swimmers, it’s important to know how important swimming is for those with autism.
Swimming can be very helpful to those with autism.[https://littleotterswimschool.com/2016/09/swim-lessons-important-children-asd/]
Here are four reasons:
- Swimming gives those with autism a place where the ‘playing field is level’.
- The water is relaxing for them, maybe even more than it is if you aren’t autistic.
- The exercise is good for them. Perhaps even more so than for those who are not autistic because it is a release for pent up frustrations. And autistic children suffer more frustrations than normal children because of their communication issues.
- Swimming helps children with autism develop confidence, self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment.
It’s important to remember that those with autism may have a condition that makes it a bit more difficult to discover what makes them tick. But that extra investment of time and patience is well worth the effort.
ABOUT LITTLE OTTER
Little Otter Swim School provides quality swim lessons in a safe and fun environment that are taught by caring and enthusiastic teachers. Children are learning and gaining respect and love for the water.
From Little Otter, Charlotte families receive an alternative to “typical” swim lessons in year-round, small group instruction in a warm indoor swimming pool where parents can watch their children’s progress from the comfortable viewing gallery. Little Otter Swim School’s team members are passionate about teaching kids to swim and be safe as they enjoy the water. We’d love to share more of the benefits of learning to swim with you. Learn more about what makes Little Otter different.
Sources:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2016/04/01/light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day
“School Community Tool Kit.” Autism Speaks. N.p., 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/school-community-tool-kit
Autism Speaks, a leading Autism Advocacy group
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