10 Things People With Autism REALLY Wish You Knew

A list created by Ellen Notbohm is circulating around Facebook about things that a student with autism wishes that you knew. I have not read her work yet. Honestly I am not sure I would make it through it very well if this is what it is about. I will eventually read it, because I will eventually read everything (dream big right?). 

Here is my version of

10 Things People with Autism REALLY Wish You Knew

1. We are not both teachers and learners. The reality is I probably know more then  you do, specifically in my area of expertise. Whatever you do, do not insult my intelligence. If I do not know something I will either fake it, or figure it out. I will probably do both.

2. Your value on teamwork and my value on teamwork is different. My idea of a team is that everyone is assigned a part and then we go back and do our part. You do your part, and I will do mine. Please do not screw up your part.

3. You will probably never understand how I think. The most I will be capable is guessing how you think (even if you try to explain it). Let me learn by reading in books or holding healthy debates.

4. Stop communicating that you do not like my behavior. What is so wrong with hand flapping, taping my pencil, playing with a bracelet, or whatever technique I have developed to help myself calm down (as long as I am not hurting myself). Do you really have to tell me to look you in the eye, have hands better, to sit better, or to stop? Let me be already.

5. Why would I have any desire to communicate with you?

6. Teach me the world using what I am interested in. Otherwise, what is the point?

7. Be very curious about whatever I am interested in.

8. Do not mess with me and I will not mess with you. Ok maybe I will. Only when it is fun.

9. Do people really get this emotional about education? Hand me a book let me figure it out already.

10. STOP USING METAPHORS - they are dumb and I do not get them unless you break them down, and sometimes not even then. So, just stop.