This question is for anyone who is autistic or has experience dealing with autism.

Question

I am dating someone very special and his pre-teen nephew is autistic I haven't met him yet and I wanted to know how the best way to go about it when I first meet him. I've never meet anyone with autism and I want to do it the right way. I want to be understanding of condition without coming off looking like there's something wrong with him. I know people with autism can lead productive lives but they aren't always comfortable around people especially new people so how can I put him at ease???? Please Help.

Answer 1

i would just ask your guy what to expect. he may be highly functioning (so much that you barely notice he has an issue) or he may have habits and routines that you should be familiar with before meeting him. the best way is just to ask in advance.

Answer 2

My brother is autistic. Please, find out as much as you can about the nephew before you meet him. Each child afflicted with autism is different and has different triggers. Nobody will mind you asking, its the only way. It's not a specific disease, rather a collection of symptoms, there is nobody who knows him as well as his family, they will be touched that you are sensitive enough to find out first. My brother hated stripes for example, and would go into a rage if anybody wore them, we would have told you not to wear a striped outfit and bring a bouncy ball, and we would have been touched that you thought to ask too. Good luck :)

Answer 3

Don't invade his space. Don't push yourself on him. Let him warm up to you on his own time. Just be friendly.

Answer 4

There are different levels of autism, as it is a spectrum disorder.  So it depends on what level of functioning his nephew is at.  He may not give eye contact, he may not talk, he could toe walk, or hand flap.  Just be friendly with him when you meet him, he may not really even acknowlegde that you are there.  Sometimes people with autism do not like touch, so just a simple hello is good when meeting him.  You might want to ask the guy that you are dating what level of functioning his nephew is.

Answer 5

just treat him as anyone else

Answer 6

I have two cousins who have been diagnosed with atypical autism and I have worked directly with autistic people for the last six years. The best thing that you can do is treat him as you would anyone else. Find out what type of autism he has then do some research on it. As far as meeting him goes, just be yourself and treat him no different than you would if he did not have autism.  

Answer 7

You are very considerate.

I teach Special Ed. and have had some experience.  The deal is, though, that there are many forms of Autism.  As a whole, though, I would just act normal.  You may have to be a little more open minded than usual, as the child's behavior may be unusual.