“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.“

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.”

“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.“

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.”

• 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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

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.

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.