Understanding Autism: How Can I Help My Friend?

[marinebiopink]

I have a friend who has autism. I like to talk to him, but every time we do he always freaks out and has these little fits. I have tried to research information about autism but nothing seems to help. I’ve tried talking to him about autism but he can never stay on the subject for very long. I would like to know and understand his condition so I won't be so confused and upset. I would like to help him. How do I?

 

[micromass]

I have a friend who has autism. I like to talk to him, but every time we do he always freaks out and has these little fits. I have tried to research information about autism but nothing seems to help. I’ve tried talking to him about autism but he can never stay on the subject for very long. I would like to know and understand his condition so I won't be so confused and upset. I would like to help him. How do I?

I think it's sweet of you that you try to help him, but I don't think that there's any way to help him. The best you can do is to do things that won't upset him. I don't know what that is, but you could find that out.

Autism is a mental illness that causes people to be unable to relate to others. They don't understand and see the world we do. For example, they often don't see body talk or sarcasm. This causes them to have a very different view on the world. If you're feeling confused and upset, then try to imagine standing in his shoes, other people confuse and upset him even more!

Try to get to know him a little better (this is probably very difficult). See what he likes and what he doesn't like, maybe ask him about it. Good luck anways!

 

[Pythagorean]

I would classify autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a "mental disorder" to clarify it further. It's very strongly biological. Not to say that there aren't social/psychological approaches that can help treat autism, but it's not something that can be "cured" through therapy.

 

[cep]

The physiology of autism is still up in the air. There are theories as to its causes, some more credible than others, but we don't really know. Currently, doctors diagnose autism based on a checklist of characteristics describing an individual's social and communicative development. Significant impairment in both these areas is necessary and sufficient to diagnose autism; however, individuals with autism may have other forms of developmental delay, as well. Other factors, such as a fixation on particular objects or a tendency for repetitive behaviors, also factor into diagnosis. Often times, autistic individuals also have problems with anxiety or attention deficit disorder.

Regarding your friend, the "fits" he has are probably not a reflection of you or anything you're doing. Without more information on his behavior, I can't really say for sure, but it's probably just a sort of social tic-- unless he's really distressed, it's probably nothing to worry about or even really draw attention to outside of a therapeutic context. Does that help at all?

 

[gteuae]

great info, thanks

regards.