autistic

Everyday

Autistic describes a person who has autism, a lifelong difference in how the brain works that affects how a person communicates, makes sense of the world, and feels sounds, lights, touch and other senses. tree →

In the lessons

In PSHE and everyday life pupils learn that autistic people may find loud noises, crowds or changes hard, may like routines and have strong special interests, may communicate differently, and have many strengths; being kind and patient helps. Many classrooms have quiet spaces and visual timetables. Phrases: «autistic person», «autistic child», «autism-friendly».

Examples

• My cousin is autistic and loves trains. tree →
• Some autistic people find loud noises painful. tree →
• The cinema has an autism-friendly screening with quieter sound. tree →
• An autistic child may prefer a clear routine. tree →
• Being autistic does not mean you are not clever. tree →
• Our class learned how to be a good friend to autistic pupils. tree →
• He is autistic and talks to us using pictures as well as words. tree →
• Many autistic people have amazing memories for their favourite topics. tree →

Note

Adjective from the noun «autism». Many autistic people prefer «autistic person»; some prefer «person with autism» — follow what the person likes. Myth: vaccines do not cause autism; autism is not an illness to be caught or cured, and it is not caused by bad parenting.