“You’re autistic? That’s cool!” “I’m so happy you finally got a diagnosis. I hope that this can help make your life a lot easier. " “My sister is autistic, too. She’s very clever and kind, a lot like you. " “I’m glad to see you feel positive about being autistic. I think it’s great that the world is filled with all different kinds of people. " “I’m happy for you. "
“I’m sorry to hear that you’re stressed about this. " “It sounds like you’re overwhelmed by your new diagnosis. " “Yeah, people do say a lot of negative things about autism. It’s understandable that that would make you sad. " “I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling inadequate. I want you to know that I don’t see you that way. "
“So you felt surprised and excited?” “What happened next?” “Sounds like you did a lot of research. Did you find any good results?” “I’m sorry to hear you feel so negatively about autism. Why do you feel that way?”
“I’m so sorry. " “Wow, that’s awful. " “You’re so brave!” “You must need a hug. " “Oh, that’s so sad!” “It’s very strong of you to carry on. I would rather die than live with autism. " “I feel sorry for your parents. "
“You don’t look autistic. " “But you can talk/make eye contact/smile/draw/attend college/have a job/do interesting things!” “Are you sure?” “You’re not disabled. You’re differently abled. “[9] X Research source “You’re nothing like my 2-year-old cousin. " “You don’t seem r*tarded to me. " “Autism is just an excuse for bad behavior. " “But you aren’t a boy/child/white person!” “You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t let autism hold you back. " “But you’re so normal/smart/nice/funny/likable/cool!” “Everyone’s a little autistic. "
“You must be very high-functioning, then. " “It must be very mild. " “You must be on the higher end of the spectrum. You seem normal to me. " “I know someone on the spectrum. . . They’re much more severe than you. " “You do a great job of hiding it. " “If my kid could do what you can, I’d consider them recovered. "
“You must be good at math. " “So that makes you a computer wizard, right?” “Does that mean you can draw landscapes from memory?” “So what’s your superpower?”
“Are you on medication for that?” “What type of treatment are you going to get for that?” “Can you have sex?” “So what therapies did you go through?”
“So, were you vaccinated as a child?” “Will you get better soon?” “I read that autism was caused by vaccines/GMOs/TV/milk/pollution/bad parenting/cats/toxins/demons. " “I heard they’re working on a cure. Aren’t you excited?” “Aren’t you worried your kids could get it from you?” “Have you tried yoga/essential oils/oxytocin/exorcism?” “I heard about this therapy to train children with autism to act normal. Have you tried it?” “I’ll pray for God to heal you. "
“Your fidgeting is so embarrassing!” “You’re acting crazy. Calm down. " “Can you stop asking so many questions? You’re annoying. " “Stop using your autism as an excuse. " “You’re weird. " “Eye contact isn’t that hard. Make an effort. " “Why are you so immature?” “Stop that! What’s wrong with you?”
“You’re still my wife and the same person I’ve known and loved for years. This diagnosis changes nothing about us. " “This doesn’t change anything. You’re still my awesome nerdy friend. " “Now that Daddy and I know you’re autistic, we’ll know better ways to help you. But not much will change. We’ll still have fun, and play outside, and do all the normal things we do as a family. "
“I don’t understand autism well. Could you please explain it to me?” “I heard that some autistic people don’t like to be touched. Is that true for you?” “I heard some weird stereotypes, like that autistics can’t talk or have jobs. Which, knowing you, is obviously false. Could you teach me a little more about autism, to help me get rid of any other misconceptions I might have?”
“You know, I’ve heard that autistics can have really good long-term memory. No wonder. " “I’ve always noticed how passionate and focused you are. I’m not surprised to find out you’re autistic. " “I once read that autistic people can be very creative. Considering the beautiful pictures you paint, I’m not surprised. "
“Let me know how I can help. " “How can I help you succeed in my class?” “I’ve noticed you cover your ears sometimes when there’s noise. Do you prefer hanging out in quieter places?” “How can I help you when you get overwhelmed?” “I’ve seen that sometimes, you struggle to find the word you’re looking for. When that happens, does it help if I suggest words, or is it better if I just wait while you try to find the word?”
“How are you?” “What are your favorite things?” “Want to come and sit with me?” “Are you fidgeting because you’re uncomfortable, or are you just doing that for fun?” “What type of music do you like?” “Want to come to the book store with me?” “I’m going to get ice cream. Do you want some too?”
