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There's a fundamental assumption that too many non-autistic adults make about autistic children: That they don't know what's good for them and need pushing outside their comfort zone.
This is not necessarily true. /1
This is not necessarily true. /1
Fact is, a large number of autistic children - especially teenagers - know from long painful experience what is good for them and often, when they ask to be excused from something, they're basically *pleading*. /2
But the adults, who assume they know much better than a child with a developmental condition, will say 'no - you must get out of your comfort zone!'
This is find sometimes but too often, that comfort zone exists for a damned good reason. /3
This is find sometimes but too often, that comfort zone exists for a damned good reason. /3
Forcing an #autistic children out of their comfort zone when *they know* they can't handle it because *they know* their own minds and limitations is dangerous and removes agency from the child. /4
Things are complicated by the fact of course *some children sometimes* will just be apathetic, can't be arsed.
So look carefully at the nature of their objection. I promise they will object in different ways. /5
So look carefully at the nature of their objection. I promise they will object in different ways. /5
If they are in tears and seem very stressed or angry, then chances are you're demanding wayyyyy too much.
Read the room. Be empathetic. You're meant to be really good at that. /6
Read the room. Be empathetic. You're meant to be really good at that. /6
I'm trying so hard to change attitudes. If you feel like throwing a few pennies at me for caffeine I'll be very grateful. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/UfTVnRY
