My Autism: Understanding What Makes Me, Me

Sometimes we learn new things about ourselves.

Maybe you have recently learned that you are autistic.

You might have lots of questions.

You might wonder: What does autism mean?

Why am I autistic? What will change?

Am I different from everyone else?

You might feel happy, confused, curious, worried, or even a little bit of everything.

All of these feelings are okay. Learning that you are autistic does not change who you are.

You are still you. Autism is simply one part of what makes you who you are.

My Brain Works in Its Own Way

Everyone's brain is different.

Some people like quiet places.

Some people love being around lots of people.

Some people learn best by listening. Others learn best by seeing or doing.

Autistic brains work differently from non-autistic brains.

This can mean that I may notice, understand, communicate, and experience the world in my own way.

There may be things that feel easy for me.

There may also be things that feel harder.

Being autistic does not mean that something is wrong with me.

It means my brain works differently.

And different does not mean bad.

My Senses May Feel Things Differently

My brain and body take in information from the world all day long.

I hear sounds.

I see lights and colours.

I smell things.

I taste things.

I feel things against my skin.

Sometimes my senses may notice things more strongly than other people do.

A sound that seems quiet to someone else might feel very loud to me.

A bright light might make it difficult for me to concentrate.

Certain clothes might feel uncomfortable against my skin.

Some smells might bother me a lot.

Sometimes there may be so many sounds, sights, feelings, and other things happening around me that my brain needs a break.

When this happens, I can ask for help.

I might say: “It's too loud.”

“I need a quiet space.”

“I need a break.”

It is okay for me to take care of my sensory needs.

I May Like Knowing What Will Happen Next

Sometimes I feel more comfortable when I know what to expect.

I might like having a routine.

I might like knowing what is going to happen at school.

I might want to know when we are leaving somewhere.

I might feel upset when plans suddenly change.

Changes can sometimes feel big, even when the change seems small to someone else.

When something unexpected happens, I may need extra time to understand what is happening.

Adults can help me by giving me a warning before something changes.

I can also learn ways to cope when plans do not go the way I expected.

It is okay if I need time to adjust.

I May Communicate in My Own Way

People communicate in many different ways.

Talking is one way.But it is not the only way.

I might communicate by talking, writing, pointing, using pictures, making gestures, or using technology.

Sometimes I may know exactly what I want to say, but finding the words may take time.

Sometimes I may not understand what another person means right away.

I might take things literally or have trouble understanding jokes, sarcasm, or expressions.

I may also find eye contact uncomfortable.

That does not mean I am not listening.

People can listen and communicate in different ways.

I May Have Things I Really Love

There may be certain things that I really enjoy.

Maybe I love dinosaurs.

Maybe I love animals, trains, drawing, space, video games, music, books, numbers, sports, or something completely different.

When I love something, I may want to learn everything I can about it.

I might talk about it often.I might notice tiny details that other people don't notice.

My interests are an important part of me.

The things I love can help me learn, connect with other people, be creative, and have fun.

It is okay to be excited about the things I love.

Sometimes My Feelings Can Feel Very Big

Everyone has feelings.

Sometimes I might feel happy.

Sometimes I might feel sad, worried, frustrated, or angry.

As an autistic person, I may sometimes experience my feelings very strongly.

If I am tired, overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or dealing with too many things at once, my feelings might become even bigger.

When this happens, I may cry, yell, hide, become very quiet, or need to be alone.

This does not mean I am being bad.

It may mean that my brain and body are overwhelmed and need support.

When I am overwhelmed, I can take a break.I can use things that help me feel calm.

I can ask someone I trust for help.

My feelings are real, and I deserve support when they feel too big. 

My Body May Move in Ways That Help Me

Sometimes my body may move in ways that help me feel comfortable, calm, or focused.I might rock back and forth.I might flap my hands.I might tap my fingers.I might pace around.I might repeat sounds or words.I might touch or move objects in a certain way.These movements are sometimes called stimming.Stimming can be one way my body helps itself feel regulated.There are many different ways people move their bodies when they are excited, nervous, focused, or trying to feel calm.If I need to move, I can learn which movements help me feel good and safe.Sometimes I May Need a BreakThere may be times when I have had enough.Maybe the room is too noisy.Maybe I have been around people for a long time.Maybe something unexpected happened.Maybe I am tired.Maybe I have been trying very hard to keep up with everything around me.When my brain has had too much to process, I may need some quiet time.I can go somewhere calm.I can listen to music.I can use something that helps me feel comfortable.I can spend some time by myself.I can talk to someone I trust.Taking a break is not giving up, it can help my brain and body get ready to try again.I Can Ask for HelpI do not have to figure everything out by myself.I can tell a trusted adult when something is difficult.I can say:“I don't understand.”“Can you explain that again?”“I need a break.”“It's too loud.”“I'm feeling overwhelmed.”“Can you help me?”Asking for help is not a weakness.Everyone needs help sometimes.Learning what I need and telling other people about those needs is an important skill.I Have Strengths, TooBeing autistic can mean that I experience some challenges, but it can also be connected to many strengths.I may be very curious.I may notice details.I may have a great memory.I may be creative.I may think about problems in different ways.I may be honest and loyal.I may become deeply interested in the things I care about.I may have a wonderful imagination.I may notice things that other people miss.These strengths are part of me.I don't have to be good at everything.Everyone has things they are good at and things they are still learning.I Am More Than My AutismAutism is one part of me.But it is not all of me.I am also a child.I have things I like.I have things I don't like.I have dreams.I have feelings.I have strengths.I have challenges.I have people I care about.I have things I am still learning.I am unique, and there is no one else exactly like me.I am not a diagnosis.I am a whole person.I Can Learn What Works for MeAs I grow, I will learn more about myself.I will learn what sounds bother me.I will learn what helps me feel calm.I will learn how I like to communicate.I will learn what helps me when plans change.I will learn what makes me feel comfortable and safe.I will learn how to tell other people what I need.I might not know all of these things right away.That is okay.Understanding myself is something I can keep learning about as I grow.There is no single way to be autistic.I am allowed to be myself.I Don't Have to Do This AloneThere are people who can help me understand my autism.My parents or caregivers can help me.My teachers can help me.Other trusted adults can help me.I may also work with a therapist or other professionals who can help me understand my feelings, communication, sensory needs, relationships, and strengths.The people who support me do not need to change who I am.Instead, they can help me understand myself and find ways to make life feel more manageable.Support is there to help me be the best version of myself not to make me become someone else.This Is MeI am autistic.My brain works in its own way.Sometimes things may be harder for me.Sometimes things may come naturally to me.I may experience sounds, feelings, communication, routines, and relationships differently.I may need support sometimes.I may need breaks.I may need people to be patient with me.I may have strengths that make me special.I may have interests that I love deeply.I may still have lots of questions about autism, and that is okay.I don't have to understand everything all at once.I can take my time.I can ask questions.I can ask for help.I can learn about myself.And most importantly:I am still me.Being autistic is one part of who I am, and I deserve to be understood, supported, accepted, and loved exactly as I am.I have also written social stories that have graphics if you feel that would be good to add