He doesn’t "look" autistic

Me & Gabe

This is my son, Gabe - he has autism. He’s brilliant and unique in so many ways.

When he was first diagnosed shortly after his 3rd birthday it was hard; hard because the dreams and expectations we had as his parents were altered. Suddenly, the script for what it meant to us to have a little boy changed.

3 Common Myths about Autism

Myth #1

Everyone with autism is pretty much the same.

Autism is an umbrella term encompassing a wide spectrum of abilities. Autism can present as mild to severe, and every presentation is unique. Some individuals will have trouble communicating and talking, and others will not. Some will use repetitive behaviours as a coping strategy and others will not.

Some will have intense interests and passions. Often senses are stronger but not always. We cannot assume a person with autism has any certain struggle. The best way to understand is to ask those with autism what it is like to be autistic, they are the experts.

Myth #2

Autistic children do not like other people.

Children with autism often do want to make friends but it can feel hard for them. It often requires some mental gymnastics for them as their brain is wired differently, making small talk can be hard.

They can also find it hard to maintain eye contact however when they feel comfortable and confident this becomes easier. It can be hard for them to recognize emotions and express their needs. They often take things literally.

Myth #3

You can grow out of it.

This is a lifelong invisible illness and there is no cure. Autism often goes alongside other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD and learning disorders making it even more challenging.

As a mom and mental health advocate, my hope is that every person can learn and have compassion for anyone with an invisible illness like autism.

Let us teach ourselves and others about the inner experiences of people with autism as this leads to more acceptance and inclusion.

People with autism have feelings and want to communicate, they want to be invited to things and be included, they may just need some additional support.

They are so much more than their diagnosis.

~Laura

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