Advocate for Inclusion and Neurodiversity

To my readers, you might have read articles or watched videos of such similar popular titles of what not to say to autistics. Well, this is my version, based on my own real life experiences , they are not copied/adapted from other sources. They are not listed in any order of priority/importance. All are important for our well-being, mental health, respect and for us to build bridges in human relationships 1ST THING NOT TO SAY: "why do you <description of behaviour>?" Example: "why do you take what I say so literally". Isn't the answer obvious? Because I am autistic. This question may also hint to the autistic person that you don't accept him/her and wish for him/her to not exhibit such autistic behaviours. Do you realise in some cases we can't help it? Moreover, our autistic brains are wired a certain way. What to say instead : "Let me try to <description of accommodation >". An example: "Let me try to explain it ...

The beneficiaries of my company's CSR event today included autism schools. I volunteered with the team of volunteers who played the role of hosts __________________ THE EXPERIENCE (MORNING) In the morning, my sub-team hosted an autism-focused school which integrates mainstream academic curriculum together with life readiness skills in their school programme. I told the teachers I am autistic too. It was an enriching experience to relate to like-minded students whom I see so much of myself in them and able to connect with within the first 5 minutes of conversing.  More importantly, by the way they communicate, and express themselves, I saw so much potential in them to be the next generation of autistic leaders to further our cause for our autism community. Before they left the event, I told some of the school teachers these: When I see these students, I see hope I hope they can build/groom this next generation of leaders to build our future - the future ...