Learning about autism
Yesterday I had the pleasure to see Dean Beadle talk about his struggle through having autism. Not him himself struggling but how others looked and treated him because he didn’t understand. My other half Sarah found his free talk at Brackenhale School on Facebook. She mentioned to me if I’d like to go. This is a prime opportunity to expand my learning into what autism is. Even more so because I had the pleasure to work with students at Heathermount School. Who struggle with the misunderstanding of what everyday life is suppose to be. The fact that everybody is different and that everyones day is going to the different no matter if your autistic or not.
Who is Dean?
Dean is a young autistic man even though last night in his talk he mentioned that he looks a lot older. Due to his lack of sleep throughout his childhood because he wasn’t able to turn his brain of at night.
What Dean does is go around the country and the world sharing his experience with Aspergers/autism to those who may not know all the ins and outs of the wider spectrum. He is quick witted and a very good story teller who is proud to share his past with the world to help others who have autism. As well as help parents understand what might be happening to there son or daughter.
Dean pointed out that not all people on the autistic spectrum are the same some can deal with the day to day just like someone without autism. However, there are many ways that you can help someone with autism just by being clear.
Things I learnt during the talk
Make things clear whilst talking. This makes it easier to understand not just to people with autism but to others who don’t too.
Don’t say maybe. say either yes or no and give a reason so that it is easier to understand and interoperate.
Fact followed up with evidence, If someone is unsure of something the only way to calm them down is to tell them the facts and follow it up wit evidence.
Dont lie. If you are trusted by and autistic person and you lie to them they will not trust you again. It is in fact a gift if an autistic person trusts you. So don’t break that.
Make signs for what is appropriate and right. Some things like touching someone inappropriately may not be clear. Making a sign or sitting them down and telling them what is the right way to do things is better than telling them what is wrong. They will repeat you for telling them and they wont do what they have just done again because they know the rules.
Be blunt and explicit when saying they can’t do something and then tell them why. Also add in what is the right way to do it.
Last note:
Personal training in Windsor has its opportunities there are a number of different schools out there that need help. I was able to bring my profession as a personal trainer to help an autistic child get fit. Knowing more now about autism has broadened my horizon. I just wish I knew more so I can help more young adults and kids.
