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Can you help with advice for young people with Autism?

NAS82808
Hello,
My name is Jessie and I'm a speech and language therapist at a NHS mental health hospital in London. I work with young people and adults who have autism.
I am compiling a collection of advice that might be useful for young people to make sense of, or better understand their experiences. I also aim to dispel some of the common myths around autism, for example that people with autism lack empathy.

I want to ask if there is any advice that you wish you had been told as a child growing up, as a young adult or even now, or any experiences that you would like to share.

Please see below some of the questions from the young people I work with.

If you would like further information please feel free to contact me at: jessica.lee36@nhs.net

Many thanks,
Jessie

- Do you tell people / boss' that you have autism? How do you say it?
- Have you had any experiences with the emergency services? How was your experience and did you tell them that you have autism?
- Do you use public transport?
- Do you get annoyed when people say "I'm a bit autistic" or "everyone is on the spectrum" etc.
- Do you have repetitive thoughts and how do you deal with them?
- Do you have friends? Do you want friends?
Parents

  • I wish I had known that it was ok to be different. My advice would be:

    • Stay true to yourself and don't do anything simply to try to fit in and appear normal. 
    • Don't force yourself into busy social environments if you don't enjoy them.
    • Study in whatever way works best for you.
    • Focus on your special interests and try and find a career linked to them.
    • Do more of what makes you happy and less of what doesn't.
    • If something isn't working walking away doesn't mean you are a failure.
    NAS82808 said:
    Do you tell people / boss' that you have autism? How do you say it?

    I do not tell many people, except where it is necessary to explain my communication needs. I am direct and say something like "I am autistic and prefer to communicate by email".

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you use public transport?

    Only very rarely where driving would be too difficult or expensive. I use ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones and try and sit as far away from others as possible. Being able to drive is well worth the effort. Being in your own little metal box, insulated from the noisy and chaotic outside world, is far more tolerable than public transport.

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you get annoyed when people say "I'm a bit autistic" or "everyone is on the spectrum" etc.

    Yes very Rage

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you have repetitive thoughts and how do you deal with them?

    I do get stuck with autistic inertia and have repetitive thoughts, particularly if something is unfinished or unresolved. Getting into a flow state, absorbed in a special interest is the best way. If that isn't possible then number or logic puzzles can help. Sometimes getting out and going for a walk helps.

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you have friends? Do you want friends?

    I don't have friends. Most of the time I am fine on my own and don't feel lonely. However going to new places is more difficult and stressful alone. I would like friends, even just one to go on days out and holidays with.

Reply

  • I wish I had known that it was ok to be different. My advice would be:

    • Stay true to yourself and don't do anything simply to try to fit in and appear normal. 
    • Don't force yourself into busy social environments if you don't enjoy them.
    • Study in whatever way works best for you.
    • Focus on your special interests and try and find a career linked to them.
    • Do more of what makes you happy and less of what doesn't.
    • If something isn't working walking away doesn't mean you are a failure.
    NAS82808 said:
    Do you tell people / boss' that you have autism? How do you say it?

    I do not tell many people, except where it is necessary to explain my communication needs. I am direct and say something like "I am autistic and prefer to communicate by email".

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you use public transport?

    Only very rarely where driving would be too difficult or expensive. I use ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones and try and sit as far away from others as possible. Being able to drive is well worth the effort. Being in your own little metal box, insulated from the noisy and chaotic outside world, is far more tolerable than public transport.

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you get annoyed when people say "I'm a bit autistic" or "everyone is on the spectrum" etc.

    Yes very Rage

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you have repetitive thoughts and how do you deal with them?

    I do get stuck with autistic inertia and have repetitive thoughts, particularly if something is unfinished or unresolved. Getting into a flow state, absorbed in a special interest is the best way. If that isn't possible then number or logic puzzles can help. Sometimes getting out and going for a walk helps.

    NAS82808 said:
    Do you have friends? Do you want friends?

    I don't have friends. Most of the time I am fine on my own and don't feel lonely. However going to new places is more difficult and stressful alone. I would like friends, even just one to go on days out and holidays with.

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