What Autism Looks Like in Everyday Life
Understanding autism is an ongoing opportunity to deepen awareness, recognize strengths, and reflect on how inclusion can be supported in everyday environments. Every person’s experience of autism is unique. Autism is part of daily life at home, in school, and in the community – shaping routines, communication, learning, and relationships in different ways.
Autism is a Spectrum
Routines and Predictability are Key
Liz Phipps, a member of Surrey Place’s Family
Advisory Council and a parent to her son, Jack,
who is autistic, says, “my son’s day is largely shaped by routine. Things go more
smoothly when the day follows a familiar pattern.”
Even everyday outings often involve preparation.
“For Jack, even a trip to a store takes preparation,” Liz explains. “We review
it ahead of time, follow the same route through the aisles, and use headphones
if it’s too overwhelming.”
Amanda also reflects on the importance of
routine in her nephew’s life, “he really relies on routine,” she says. “Changes
can be hard for him.”
Fostering Inclusivity in Community Spaces
“Inclusion shows up in small ways,” says Liz,
speaking about Jack. “Neighbours acknowledging him like they would any other
child. Stores or programs showing patience and flexibility.”
Amanda emphasizes everyday actions that support
inclusion: “Be patient. We all learn differently. Accept people as they are.”
Sarah adds that environmental awareness also
matters. Considering things like noise, lighting, and the availability of
quieter spaces can make community settings more accessible.
Different Strengths and Abilities
School can also be an environment where children
and teens with autism show different strengths and face challenges. Through her
experience, Sarah has seen how the right school environment can make a
difference. “My nephew loves school and is in a great setting that supports
him,” she says.
At the same time, Liz highlights the importance
of recognizing and understanding that disability
means having different strengths and abilities.
“I felt teachers sometimes didn’t think my son was capable because of his
behaviours,” she explains. “I had to remind them of his abilities, not just
what they were seeing in that moment.”
Strengths often show up in unique and meaningful
ways. Sarah recalls, “My nephew asked Santa for a periodic table and a
telescope when he was six. He just loves to learn.”
Amanda sees that same persistence in her nephew.
“He tries very hard with his schoolwork,” she says.
Adapting Communication Styles
Communication is essential in our everyday, but
it’s not one-size-fits-all. For many families with children with autism or a
disability, it
takes time to learn to adapt their own communication styles.
“I’ve learned to be more patient,” says Amanda, “he doesn’t always understand
right away.”
Sarah emphasizes the importance of clarity and calm
communication. “Be clear and direct. Stay calm and patient. Help them
understand what you’re asking. I’ve learned to be more understanding when he
gets frustrated,” Sarah adds. “When things are hard, there is usually a reason
behind it.”
Family Tip: Clear communication, patience, and noticing early signs of overwhelm can help support emotional regulation and prevent escalation.
Practical Ways to Support Inclusion in Everyday Life
“Behaviour is not about him being ‘bad,’” Liz
explains. “It’s about communication or feeling overwhelmed.”
“Don’t limit them from being their true self,”
says Sarah.
Amanda adds, “We are all human beings. Accept
everyone.”
Small, thoughtful actions can make everyday spaces
more inclusive. Here are 6 ways to we can start:
1. Be
patient and allow extra time for preparation.
2. Use
clear and plain communication.
3. Respect
routines and help prepare for changes when possible.
4. Be
mindful of sensory environments like noise and lighting.
5. Avoid
making assumptions based on behaviour.
6. Include, acknowledge, and engage, just as you would with anyone else
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