The world of an autistic child can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming leaving parents wondering what an autistic child sees around them.
So when considering what an autistic child sees what we actually are trying to establish is what is the world like for them, how do they interact with it and find comfort.
Clearly every autistic child is different but there are some common feelings and sensations which they may experience.
Sensory overload
Children with autism may be sensitive to certain stimuli such as lights, sounds, and textures, leading to sensory overload. This can cause confusion, discomfort, and even pain. So if an autistic child walks into an environment with such factors present it may be shocking or distressing to them.
Social interactions
Many children with autism struggle with social cues and nonverbal communication, leading to difficulties with understanding and forming relationships with others. So for an autistic child social interactions may make them feel uncomfortable or even push them towards repetitive behaviours.
Repetitive behaviours
Children with autism may engage in repetitive behaviours , such as flapping their hands or repeating certain phrases, as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. This is the child trying to control a situation or environment in for example if they like spinning that blocks the rest of the world out for them.
Attention to detail
Children with autism may be highly observant and detail-oriented, allowing them to pick up on patterns and information others might miss. This may be once more the child trying to block out the outside world by focusing on tiny things they may have noticed in their environment.
Strong interests
Children with autism often have intense interests in specific subjects, such as trains or numbers, which can be a source of comfort and understanding in a world that can otherwise be confusing.
These experiences are just a few examples and do not represent the full range of perspectives and experiences of people with autism. It’s important to remember that each individual with autism is unique and has their own unique perspective on the world.
So when you are considering what an autistic child sees it is important to remember that they are extremely individual and reactive to the world around them.
Feel free to browse our archive for more articles on raising an autistic child.