Today is Autism Awareness Day. We shine gold (because Au is gold, in terms of chemical elements), not blue. Why? A few years ago it was explained really well here (PL):
https://thisisinternet.pl/2021/03/dlaczego-w-kwietniu-nie-zaswiece-sie-na-niebiesko-i-ty-tez-nie-powinienes/ — no need to repeat it.
I’m also on the spectrum. I was diagnosed in early adulthood—before the “autism trend,” before “female autism” became a thing—because my traits fall more into what’s typically described as the “male” presentation. I’ve managed most of it, with significant support from my partner. I have quiet, darkness, and warmth 🙂 So—optimal conditions.
The biggest challenges I still face are mainly related to proprioception issues and dyspraxia (or sensory processing differences), including sensory hypersensitivity. I’m not listing interpersonal difficulties because… I rarely see other people 🙂 I’ve basically moved my whole life online, except for celebrations with fellow Slavic pagans (though that still means 2–3 days of muscle soreness and a dozen bruises), and technical conferences (but those come with such a heavy cognitive load of “acting normal”—i.e., constantly self-monitoring so I don’t look silly or say something inappropriate—for 2–3 days that I usually end up with something like a cold and need a week to recover).
I still sometimes get lost—even in larger stores—but I go there so rarely that I don’t remember the last time it happened. There’s a Dino one floor below, that’s enough.
I’m glad school is behind me, because recently I attended a workshop for students… and the bells and hallway noise are still there during breaks! Good thing there was no school radio system—that was the worst invention ever, I used to have to change wings during breaks because of it ;p
And speaking of things I still struggle with… being forced off a broken train in Pracze instead of at the main station in Wrocław. Figuring out transport from there… terrifying. In general, whenever I travel by public transport, I have everything mapped out: where I’m going, which stations, what I transfer to (e.g., which city bus), etc. I’m extremely poor at improvising on the spot and I panic. So I usually prepare multiple alternatives. As long as I don’t forget my notes :p (I keep them printed and on my phone).
If I could say something today about actually improving the situation of autistic people—if someone wants to help—here’s a list:
- Clearly mark your event space (from the building entrance all the way to the destination)
- Provide a quiet, warm, dim place where overstimulated senses can calm down
- Don’t ask for a phone call if something can be handled in a few lines of text. It’s stressful and can ruin several hours—or the whole day. (Though sometimes it’s necessary—I call too.)
- In large spaces, create a “safe point”: “Lost? Wait here for your companion.” This helps not only autistic people but also children, elderly individuals, and people with dementia. A few arrows on the floor are enough.
- If you see someone wearing hearing protection outside of a construction or industrial setting—leave them alone. They’re fighting to function.
- Ignore stimming and self-directed behaviors. However, if there is aggression toward you, respond by setting clear boundaries: “no,” “I don’t agree,” “please don’t do that.” In extreme cases, use direct force to restrain the aggressor. A diagnosis must not be used to justify violence toward others. Calling the police or emergency services is valid. This applies to parents too.
- Use simple instructions and require one thing at a time. Don’t interrupt an ongoing activity unless it’s truly critical. Otherwise, you may disrupt several hours of functioning. Executive function difficulties can be real, but that doesn’t mean zero expectations. Over-assisting prevents skill development and can actually create disability.
- If you have such people in your team, prepare “emergency procedures”—plans A, B, C, D. And don’t say “we need to talk” unless you immediately specify the topic. Otherwise, instead of productivity, you’ll get someone mentally simulating worst-case scenarios—and none of them are positive 🙂
- Don’t force eye contact and don’t infer intentions from tone of voice or facial expressions. People on the spectrum often struggle with nonverbal communication—both producing and interpreting it. Some skills can be learned in adulthood, but only when the person is not exhausted or overstimulated. If something is wrong—say it directly, preferably one-on-one. Use a clear structure: unacceptable behavior → why → expected behavior. Example:
“I noticed you use profanity around children. It’s important to me that my children don’t hear language considered vulgar. Please use appropriate language in their presence.” - Allow them to bring their own food to events. Food selectivity can be so strong that nothing on your table is edible for them. You can also ask what they eat and simply include it in the menu. For children and teenagers—encourage trying new foods, they may discover something acceptable.
- Accept sunglasses and turned-off cameras during conversations. This helps conserve energy otherwise spent on maintaining eye contact and facial control, and prevents misinterpretation as disengagement.
- Allow flexible clothing that supports thermal and sensory comfort. A company T-shirt can be worn over a sweater or turtleneck. It works.
Alright, that’s enough—it’s getting long.
And one more thing for public institutions: please go back to the “COVID model,” where so many things could be handled by mail or online—and where maintaining distance between people was possible.
PS: Facebook is blue all year round anyway :p
PS2: https://www.cyberpsychoinstytut.pl/konsultacje/ — you can get консультации (consultations) on adapting your company digitally to the needs of people on the spectrum 🙂
Be First to Comment