What Spirit would say if he could...

Welcome to my world.

You'll find that there are some things that are the same as your world and there are many things that are different. So if you think you have what it takes you can step into my world and how I see things.

Spirit Colored Glasses:

My world can be; 

Confusing for me.

My head doesn't process things as fast as yours so if I look confused, or I don't look like I "registered" it probably hasn't. 

Confusing about what is expected from me.

Lots of steps get muddled up in my brain. So speak slowly, make sure I understand and then guide me through the process. I can succeed just like you, I just need a little more help. PS I'm worth it!

Confusing about how I should be acting with different environment and social demands.

Processing environmental and social information is very difficult for me, it's not that I can't do it, it's that it takes me more time and a little bit of coaching to help me react appropriately. Don't be afraid to coach me. (Away from the eyes of my peers) That way I can make adjustments. I will look to you to see if I am doing it right. A thumbs up and some encouragement are all I need. Remember, I don't see things the way you do, so you may have to get around your own idiosyncrasies 

Painful for me.

Stimulus are often overwhelming for me, and when I am overstimulated things become painful for me. If this happens get me outta there. Get me to a "safe place" where I can reset.

Overwhelming for me.

If you see me flapping my hands, covering my ears, or if I look like you look when you hear nails on a chalkboard, things are probably getting overwhelming for me. If this happens, get close to me, meet my eyes and ask what I want. I can usually tell you what I need. But if you ask, make sure you are prepared to meet my needs, because if you can't (or more likely won't) then I will meltdown even faster.

Scary for me.

Situations that seem "fun" to you can look like a minefield to me. Please understand that I can usually get to some point that I will try new things, but this could take a lot of time. (Years even) So don't expect to get me into something new without a lot of prep work and everything going exactly.

Lonely for me.

It's lonely to watch everyone get the joke, and not. So I may laugh harder and louder to compensate. It's lonely to see people get moved by a musical number and not know why. So I ask "are you sad?" It's lonely to see people I think like me because we played yesterday, ignore me today. 

Too busy and too fast.

Everyone seems to be moving much faster than I can. As a result, I am always feeling a little rushed and anxious. Please be patient, I want to be included, I just need some help. I love being included and the way it feels when everyone takes a little more time for me.

I hope this helps you see what the world is like through my eyes. I sure am glad that you are a part of my journey living with autism.

Love, Spirit