I am not naughty – I am autistic!

Children on the autistic spectrum have all the same challenges as any other child, but these can be magnified greatly as a result of their autism.

Just like Joe, you may notice that some children on the autistic spectrum show similar behaviours but not everyone will show all of the signs and some may be more prevalent than others. 

• -Not responding to their name.
• -Avoiding eye contact.
• -Not smiling when you smile at them.
• -Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound.
• -Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body.
• -Not talking as much as other children.

Getting older

As children on the autistic spectrum get older they learn and develop their own strategies to cope with daily life. Puberty can be a really difficult time and just like any child they can become even more withdrawn and harder to understand.