HOW TO UNDERSTAND AUTISTIC BODY LANGUAGE

"Autistic body language" is not the same for everyone who is autistic. Each autistic person is unique, so it's difficult to make generalization about all of them. This blog talks about common patterns and misunderstandings. When you use this information, remember that each autistic person is an individual, and not every step will apply to every person.

STEP - 1. Avoiding Misconceptions

1.1 - Remember that being different doesn't mean there is something wrong or bad about it.

Autistic people communicate in their own unique way, but that doesn't mean their way is worse. Every person, whether autistic or not, has their own unique behaviors, and there's no right or wrong when it comes to expressing oneself.

Every one is unique.

1.2 - Don't have set ideas about how they should behave.

You might have a limited understanding of what certain behaviors mean. For instance, if you think that not making eye contact means someone is not paying attention, you may misunderstand an autistic person who is actually paying close attention. Try to be open-minded and take the time to get to know the person individually.

Limit your expectations.

1.3 - Embrace and accept differences, and don't be scared of body language that you don't understand.

This might be new and unfamiliar to you, and that's alright. It's natural to find unusual facial expression and arm movements unpredictable, but that doesn't mean the autistic person is dangerous or going to harm you. Take a deep breath and try to relax.

Try to accept instead of ignoring.

1.4 - Pay attention to the context or situation to better understand what is happening.

Body language is complex, and autistic people are different from one another (even we normal human beings are different from one another), so there is not a simple list or diagram that explains it all. Instead, pay attention, to the context of the situation, like the environment, what is being said, and facial expressions. Use your judgement to understand what the person might be communicating.

Observe the child and environment.

1.5 - If you're unsure or confused, don't hesitate to ask for the clarification.

It's alright to ask someone to explain their feelings if you're unsure, and it's better than feeling frustrated or confused. Autistic people can relate to the need for clarifying feelings. Just make sure to ask politely and respectfully, as it's completely normal to do so.

Don't hesitate to ask for the clarification.

STEP - 2. Learning about the ways autistic people are different from others.

2.1 - When you see someone with a blank expression, think of it as them being deep in thought rather than assuming they are empty or sad.

Many autistic people tend to relax their facial features when they are in deep in thought. This might include looking into the distance, having their mouth slightly open, and not showing much expression on their face.

    - Many autistic people find comfort in lining up objects when they are in lost in thought.

    - Some autistic people naturally have this expression on their face when they are actively listening to       someone.
    - If you see an autistic person starting into space on their own, it's safe to assume they are deep in              thought. They can still hear you, but if you want them to actively listen, make sure to get their              attention first.

It will take time to understand other person behavior.

2.2 - It's important to understand that many autistic people may not make eye contact.

Autistic people might find eye contact distracting or uncomfortable, so they may look at different things like your shirt, hands, or the space around you. Their eyes may appear unfocused during this time. This happens because their brain is concentrating on listening to your words.

    - If you think an autistic person might be zoning out, you can try saying their name or getting their           attention by speaking to them. If that doesn't work, gently wave your hand in front of their eyes to           grab their attention.

Not making eye contact but listening carefully.

2.3 - It's normal for autistic people to engage in stimming as a regular part of how they express themselves through their body movements.

Stimming can help autistic person calm themselves, concentrate better, and feel good overall. If an autistic person is stimming while taking to you, it's important to understand that it actually helps them to focus, rather than distracts them.

  - Autistic people may hide or suppress their stims when they're around someone they don't know or          trust because they're afraid of being criticized. So, if an autistic person openly stims in your               presence,   it's a good sign that they trust you and feel safe around you.

Stimming is a good sign.

2.4 - Understanding that stimming can have various meanings and purposes for autistic individuals.

When an autistic person engages in stimming around you, it often indicates that they trust you and feel comfortable being themselves. The purpose and meaning of their stimming can vary depending on the situation. It could be an expression of their emotions, a way to reduce stress or sensory overload, a tool for focusing, or something else. Here are some ways to gather hits and understand the context.

   - Facial expressions can provide clues about the meaning of stimming. Stimming while smiling             typically conveys a different message compared to stimming while frowning.

    - Words and sounds - Pay attention to the words they say or the sounds they make (such as crying or        giggling) as they can provide clues about their emotions and feelings.

    - Context -  The context of the situation can also give hints about the meaning behind's someone's         stimming. For example, if  a women waves her arms when she sees a puppy, she is likely excited.         However, if she is waving her arms and whining while working on a challenging projects, she may         be feeling frustrated or in a need of a break.

    - Sometimes stimming doesn't have any emotional meaning attached to it. It's similar to how standing        up and stretching doesn't necessarily indicate your mood.

Frown - It is a facial expression in which the eyebrows are bought together, and the forehead is wrinkled.

2.5 - When an autistic person looks away, it often means they are deep in thought or feeling overwhelmed, rather than rejecting or ignoring you personally.

Autistic people may look away when they feel overwhelmed by sights, sound, touch, or other sensory input. If you approach an autistic person and they look away, it could be a sign that you need to give them some space, lower the noise level, or avoid touching them at that moment.

    - When an autistic person looks away after being asked a question, it often means they are thinking.         In this situation, it's best to wait patiently and quietly while they process the question and formulate        their response.

    - Looking away can also indicate unhappiness. For instance, if you ask your son if he's ready to start      his homework and he looks away, it could mean that he is either thinking about his answer or feeling      unhappy about having homework.

    - If you notice that someone consistently looks away in certain situations, it's important to pay                 attention and make changes based on their needs. For example, if your niece always turns away             when you try to hug or kiss her, it could mean that she finds kisses and hug overwhelming.

    - Remember that it's not always about you. There could be other factors, such as someone else or the        environment, that are causing difficulties for the autistic person. If you notice they are struggling to        stay engaged, try moving to a quieter and calmer place to help them.

Being overwhelmed

2.6 - Don't assume that strange or unusual facial expressions always mean the person is angry or frustrated

Some autistic people may make unusual or strange facial expressions. Usually, it indicates that they feel comfortable enough around you to be themselves, which is a positive sign. Here are some possible meanings behind these expressions.

    - Natural expression - The natural facial expressions of some disabled people may appear different          from those of non-disabled people.

    - Happiness - They may show happiness in their own unique way, such as smiling and having fun in        a distinct manner.

    - Frustration or pain - To determine if an autistic person is feeling frustrated or in a pain, look for           contextual clues that align with those emotions.

    - Stimming - Stimming is when autistic people move their facial muscles to get them active, similar      to how you might play with a zipper or toss around a baseball when you haven't had enough physical      activity.

    - Just stretching - Autistic people might stretch their faces just like you stretch your arms, or                   shoulders. It's a way for them to release tension and relax their facial muscles.

    - Being silly - When autistic people are being silly, it means they want to make you smile and bring          joy to the situation.

Unusual facial expression.

2.7 - Paying attention to any difficulties or limitations in movement that someone may have.

Movements that appear jerky, clumsy, forceful or "angry" in some individuals may not indicate anger at all. It could be due to conditions like dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, or poor coordination, which can affect their ability to move smoothly. If someone frequently moves in this way, understand that it is related to their natural physical challenges. Be cautious about misinterpreting their actions as being upset when they are simply trying to accomplish something.

Check for the physical disability.

2.8 - Pay attention to signs of agitations or restlessness.

Autistic people have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety and may have sensory issues that cause discomfort or pain. If you notice unusually agitated movements, including stimming, along with a black or upset facial expression, it could mean that the autistic person needs a break and some time to relax.

    - These observations can be helpful in preventing meltdowns and shutdowns (when an autistic person        becomes overwhelmed or shuts down due to sensory or emotional overload)

Look out for agitation.

2.9 - It's perfectly fine if you don't understand everything.

Autistic people can engage in a wide range of behaviors, such as making beeping sounds with the microwave timer or responding to hugs with a smile and going limp. Do not stress about it. Instead, recognize and appreciate the value of their unique qualities and accept them for who they are.

It's okay we don't understand the emotions or what other person is trying to communicate.

In conclusion, let's celebrate and embrace the diversity of autistic individuals. By understanding, respecting, and supporting their unique experiences, we can create a more inclusive world for all. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

ABOUT ME

I am Harish Eudk, a special educator with a passion for creating inclusive learning environments. I have experience working with diverse student needs, including Autism and ADHD. I specialize in individualized plans and hands-on teaching, including robotics and programming. I believe in a well-rounded education that incorporates art, logic, and physical activities. I am dedicated to helping student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

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