Happy Autism Awareness Month! Here are just a few of the many things that I wish all people knew about individuals who have autism.

1. Autism Does Not Define Who Someone Is

Just because an individual has autism that does not mean that the first thing you should think about that person is the fact that they have autism. People who have autism are lovable, important, and intelligent. Learn to focus on peoples' abilities not there disabilities.

2. People Who Have Autism Are Not All The Same

Unlike some other disabilities autism is not something that you can see which is fortunate because it puts the person before the disability. Some individuals may have different ways that they react to sensory situations, some people may not make direct eye contact, and some individuals may be nonverbal. Yet this does not make them any less of a person. Take time to get to know them as a person.

3. People First Language Is A Thing...And A Pretty Important Thing

People first language means putting a person before there disability, and it really does matter. I PROMISE! Instead of saying "that autistic person" learn the proper language and say "that person who has autism." This puts the person before the disability and shows that an individuals disability does not define them. And people first language is not just import for individuals with autism, but all people. Instead of saying "that handicapped boy" say "that boy who uses a wheelchair," so on and so forth.

4. People Who Have Autism Are Smart

Not everyone thinks, learns, or processes information in the same way. It is important that you understand someone may need a little extra time, or a new way to learn something that will help them flourish to their fullest.

5. Be A Friend

For some individuals with autism making friends may not be as easy as it is for others. It is so vital for everyone in life to have good true friends. People who have autism make some of the greatest friends, and if you really take time to get to know someone you can learn so much and have a genuine connection with them.

#differentnotless