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Autism is a developmental condition that affects how someone thinks, communicates, and experiences the world. It’s called a spectrum because every autistic person is different.

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May avoid eye contact

Likes routines and structure

Might not speak, or might talk a lot!

May feel overwhelmed by noise, lights, or crowds

Often has amazing focus, memory, or creativity

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“If you’re not autistic, try to imagine what it’s like to walk in my shoes for a bit. Picture not always knowing what you’re feeling or how to express it. Then, add the challenge of trying to understand how someone else feels when your emotions are a puzzle. It’s tough, right? That’s the reality for many autistic people, including me.”

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Walking in my shoes: Rethinking empathy through autism

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One of my earliest memories of emotions is pretty hilarious when I think about it. Whenever I did something wrong, my dad had this unique…

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Autism is a developmental condition that affects how someone thinks, communicates, and experiences the world. It’s called a spectrum because every person with Autism is different.

# data[].attributes.body
May avoid eye contact

Likes routines and structure

Might not speak, or might talk a lot!

May feel overwhelmed by noise, lights, or crowds

Often has amazing focus, memory, or creativity

# data[].attributes.body
Walking in my shoes: Rethinking empathy through autism.

“If you’re not autistic, try to imagine what it’s like to walk in my shoes for a bit. Picture not always knowing what you’re feeling or how to express it. Then, add the challenge of trying to understand how someone else feels when your emotions are a puzzle. It’s tough, right?

That’s the reality for many autistic people, including me.“

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Walking in my shoes: Rethinking empathy through autism

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of my earliest memories of emotions is pretty hilarious when I think about it. Whenever I did something wrong, my dad had this unique…

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For Students:

Be a Friend, Not Just a Classmate

Include classmates even if they don’t always join in.

Ask questions kindly, and don’t pressure them to speak.

Respect personal space and quiet time.

Respect Stimming

Rocking, flapping, or humming can help someone feel calm.

Don’t stare or make fun—it’s how some people regulate emotions.

Be Clear and Kind

Use clear, friendly language.

Don’t tease or use sarcasm—it might be misunderstood.

Include Everyone

In group projects or activities, ask how they’d like to help.

Celebrate strengths, not just social skills.

“Inclusion isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about being welcomed in the room.”

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Walking in my shoes: Rethinking empathy through autism.

“If you’re not autistic, try to imagine what it’s like to walk in my shoes for a bit. Picture not always knowing what you’re feeling or how to express it. Then, add the challenge of trying to understand how someone else feels when your emotions are a puzzle. It’s tough, right?

That’s the reality for many autistic people, including me.“

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Walking in my shoes: Rethinking empathy through autism

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of my earliest memories of emotions is pretty hilarious when I think about it. Whenever I did something wrong, my dad had this unique…

# data[].attributes.body
For Students:

Be a Friend, Not Just a Classmate

Include classmates even if they don’t always join in.

Ask questions kindly, and don’t pressure them to speak.

Respect personal space and quiet time.

Respect Stimming

Rocking, flapping, or humming can help someone feel calm.

Don’t stare or make fun—it’s how some people regulate emotions.

Be Clear and Kind

Use clear, friendly language.

Don’t tease or use sarcasm—it might be misunderstood.

Include Everyone

In group projects or activities, ask how they’d like to help.

Celebrate strengths, not just social skills.

“Inclusion isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about being welcomed in the room.”

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For Parents:

Start with Acceptance

Autism isn’t something to “fix”—it’s a different way of being.

Support begins with understanding and celebrating differences.

Model Inclusion at Home

Talk openly about neurodiversity.

Teach kids that being different isn’t wrong—it’s natural.

Communicate With Educators

Share what works at home (tools, routines, triggers).

Partner with teachers to make school feel safe and supported.

Respect Self-Regulation

Let stimming happen—it’s not bad behavior, it’s self-care.

Advocate for sensory-friendly spaces (quiet rooms, headphones, fidgets).

Build Community

Support inclusion policies.

Speak up when you see exclusion or bullying.

Connect with other parents through support groups or events.

“When we listen to autistic voices—especially our kids—we all grow.”

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What people with Autism can teach you about Communication:

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What people with Autism can teach you about Communication:

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What autistic people can teach you about communication | Kalen Sieja | TEDxCU

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Great Website to Help Gain more Information on All Parts!

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Great Website to Help Gain more Information on All Parts!

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Autism is not a disease

Autism isn’t caused by bad parenting

Not all autistic people are the same

Being nonverbal ≠ not understanding

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What Is It Like to Have Autism? Hear Straight From The Source!

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What Is It Like to Have Autism? Hear Straight From The Source!

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What's it like to be a person with autism? | In A Different Key | PBS

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Hey Bear Sensory - Smoothie Mix!- Fun Dance Video with music and animation !

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Autism is a developmental condition that affects how someone thinks, communicates, and experiences the world. It’s called a spectrum because every autistic person is different.

# data[].attributes.body
May avoid eye contact

Likes routines and structure

Might not speak, or might talk a lot!

May feel overwhelmed by noise, lights, or crowds

Often has amazing focus, memory, or creativity

# data[].attributes.body
“If you’re not autistic, try to imagine what it’s like to walk in my shoes for a bit. Picture not always knowing what you’re feeling or how to express it. Then, add the challenge of trying to understand how someone else feels when your emotions are a puzzle. It’s tough, right? That’s the reality for many autistic people, including me.“

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Walking in my shoes: Rethinking empathy through autism

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of my earliest memories of emotions is pretty hilarious when I think about it. Whenever I did something wrong, my dad had this unique…

# data[].attributes.body
For Students:

Be a Friend, Not Just a Classmate

Include classmates even if they don’t always join in.

Ask questions kindly, and don’t pressure them to speak.

Respect personal space and quiet time.

Respect Stimming

Rocking, flapping, or humming can help someone feel calm.

Don’t stare or make fun—it’s how some people regulate emotions.

Be Clear and Kind

Use clear, friendly language.

Don’t tease or use sarcasm—it might be misunderstood.

Include Everyone

In group projects or activities, ask how they’d like to help.

Celebrate strengths, not just social skills.

“Inclusion isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about being welcomed in the room.”

# data[].attributes.body
For Parents:

Start with Acceptance

Autism isn’t something to “fix”—it’s a different way of being.

Support begins with understanding and celebrating differences.

Model Inclusion at Home

Talk openly about neurodiversity.

Teach kids that being different isn’t wrong—it’s natural.

Communicate With Educators

Share what works at home (tools, routines, triggers).

Partner with teachers to make school feel safe and supported.

Respect Self-Regulation

Let stimming happen—it’s not bad behavior, it’s self-care.

Advocate for sensory-friendly spaces (quiet rooms, headphones, fidgets).

Build Community

Support inclusion policies.

Speak up when you see exclusion or bullying.

Connect with other parents through support groups or events.

“When we listen to autistic voices—especially our kids—we all grow.”

# data[].attributes.headline
Great Website to Gain Even More Insight!

# data[].attributes.subject
Great Website to Gain Even More Insight!

# data[].attributes.headline
What is it like to be autistic? Hear straight from the source!

# data[].attributes.subject
What is it like to be autistic? Hear straight from the source!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What's it like to be a person with autism? | In A Different Key | PBS

# data[].attributes.headline
TED Talk on the things people with Autism can teach you about communication

# data[].attributes.subject
TED Talk on the things people with Autism can teach you about communication

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What autistic people can teach you about communication | Kalen Sieja | TEDxCU

# data[].attributes.body
Autism is not a disease

Autism isn’t caused by bad parenting

Not all autistic people are the same

Being nonverbal ≠ not understanding

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hey Bear Sensory - Smoothie Mix!- Fun Dance Video with music and animation !

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Difference between “person with autism” and “autistic person”
(some prefer one, others the other—ask them!)

Avoid terms like “high-functioning/low-functioning” they oversimplify

Focus on support, not fixing

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All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer
Age: 4–8
About: Zane the zebra worries about being different because he has autism, but his mom helps him see that his stripes make him special.
Themes: Self-acceptance, pride, celebrating uniqueness

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Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott
Age: 9–12
About: Based on real diary entries from a girl with autism, this novel offers a raw, emotional, and funny look at navigating school while masking autism.
Themes: Identity, friendship, inner thoughts

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Noise-canceling headphones

Visual schedules

Calm corners

Fidget tools

Timer apps

Written instructions alongside verbal ones

These tools don’t give an “unfair advantage”—they give access.

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Scenario: A classmate covers their ears when the bell rings.
Why? They may be hypersensitive to sound.
What you can do: Don’t laugh, instead offer support. Maybe suggest headphones.

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“What Does Sensory Overload Feel Like?”

Activity:
Sspend 2 minutes doing this:

Play loud background noise (YouTube: “cafeteria sounds” or “classroom noise”).

Scroll their phone while a timer counts down.

Have someone ask them random questions while they try to read a paragraph aloud.

Reflection prompt:

“How did your body feel? Could you focus? Now imagine feeling like that during math class.”

Purpose: Helps you feel how overstimulating environments can be for kids with autism.

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Literal vs. Figurative Language Activity

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Literal vs. Figurative Language Activity

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“Would You Understand This?”

Activity:
“What might a literally-minded child think this means?”

Examples:

“Break a leg!”

“It’s raining cats and dogs.”

“Pull yourself together.”

“Spill the tea.”

“Hang in there.”

Reflection prompt:

“If your brain takes things literally, these phrases are confusing. Try using clear, simple language instead.”

Purpose: Builds awareness of how communication styles affect understanding.