Autism is a natural variation in how the brain functions. It causes autistic people to respond to, and perceive, situations differently to others, because information or actions may be processed differently. Often, autistic people express themselves through unique mannerisms or use coping methods, when faced with sensory overload, and this varies hugely from person to person. Some autistic people may find it difficult to identify social cues or to identify sarcasm or irony in a conversation. Instincts developed in formative years, such as making eye contact during conversations, are not necessarily the same for autistic people, they may focus on a different part of a person’s face instead to decipher meaning.
Autistic students are 63% more likely to be the victims of bullying. This needs to stop.
By understanding autism and accepting autistic behaviours we can counter the misunderstanding of neurological differences and prevent the existence of stigma, mistreatment and bullying against autistic people. Autism is not something that can, or should, be ‘treated’ or ‘cured’ and autistic people do not need to change; they need to be understood, accepted and made to feel welcomed in society and in workplaces.
If you’d like to understand more about Autism, take a look at our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion when Supporting Autism Level 2 course. You can also visit https://www.autism.org.uk/.