Autism is not a single disorder, but an umbrella term that includes a wide variety of disorders. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and imaginative play. The specific symptoms of ASD can vary tremendously from one person to the next.
However, many people with autism do share a few common things that they dislike.
1. Being touched
People with autism often dislike being touched because it's extremely uncomfortable and confusing to them. Of course there are some who are more receptive to touch and who might like it. Instead of putting your hand on their shoulder or arm, try high-fiving them or drawing a circle around them. Be mindful that you should only touch someone if they want you to. Their needs need to be respected and accommodated.
2. Loud noises and Loud music
People with Autism can be hypersensitive to noise and may feel overwhelmed by them. They do not like loud noises and those noises can be difficult for them to ignore. They can react unusually to loud noises. This can make it difficult for them to cope with their surroundings. It can cause a sensory overload, which can be very unpleasant and lead to an anxiety attack.
3. Bright lights
People with Autism have different sensitivities. This means that they are more sensitive to changes in things like light and sound. One thing they are sensitive to is bright lights. They are bothered by lights that are too bright, because it affects their eyes. It causes them to become over-stimulated and anxious. Changing the lighting will help them feel more comfortable and settled. Along with low lighting, color and patterns through wallpapers, soft toys, or other decoration can be introduced.
4. Being expected to do something without being told
Sometimes people with Autism can feel overwhelmed when you think they should be able to know what to do without being told. It can be hard for them to respond to expectations and demands that they’re not given explicit instructions about. They need to be given plenty of information about any changes in expectations there may be. It's important to provide them with this information in a clear way because they often have issues reading body language or understanding the context by subtle cues.
5. Being stared at
People with Autism can find prolonged staring more discomforting and overwhelming than most people. They might find it difficult to focus in such a situation. They are uncomfortable even when someone makes prolonged eye contact with them since they find it an unnatural, intense experience. They often find it rude or uncomfortable. This is probably because it’s difficult for them to read social cues and figure out when someone is happy or sad.
6. Being in a crowded place
People with Autism feel overwhelmed by crowded spaces. It’s a sensory problem for a lot of people with Autism. It makes it impossible to process information and leaves them feeling stressed and anxious. They have sensory sensitivities which means that they are highly sensitive to external stimuli. Hence intolerance to crowds. It also makes them feel trapped in an confusing environment and cause them to become anxious and overwhelmed.
7. Being called a retard or weird
People with Autism don't like being called a 'retard' or 'weird' because it makes them feel bad. Every person with Autism is different, which is why insulting them by labeling them a 'retard' only perpetuates stereotypes and stigma about people like them. All of these words can make people with Autism feel less than human because they're being stereotyped or labeled negatively. This negative view of people with Autism often leads to bullying and discrimination.
8. Having their routine changed
Everyone's different when change happens. Lot of neurotypicals can find it difficult when their routine is suddenly changed. However it’s important to remember that people with autism are more sensitive to routine changes. You should plan your engagement with them so they aren’t distracted, and be prepared to follow their lead. People on Autism spectrum tend to have a complicated relationship with routine. One of the major problems with changing a routine is that a lot of people who have autism don’t know how to self-advocate.
9. Over stimulating environments and Sensory overload
People with autism experience sensory overload much more than people without autism do. When exposed to too many or intense sensory stimuli, they might experience a meltdown, which could leave them crying, shaking, or having difficulty breathing. This means that bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells can be irritating and even frightening. They feel overwhelmed by the things they see, smell, taste, hear, and feel. Sensory overload is a constant in their lives.
10. Having their photograph taken
It can be hard for people who have autism to interact on camera. Hence, it can feel really difficult to take their photo. They don't enjoy being in the spotlight or being photographed since this may having to deal with intense sensory processing which may respond to flashing lights, uncomfortable or itchy clothing, or being close to strangers. This level of stress may prevent the person from participating and lead to an overall negative experience.
11. Being measured by the same yardstick
Autism can be an invisible disability, difficult to understand due to the spectrum of different ways in which people with autism experience the world. Some people with autism can have mild symptoms, while some people have severe symptoms. It can also depend on the person’s age, or even their skills and coping mechanisms. When you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. A lot of people with autism can't stand being measured by the same yardstick as a neurotypical person or as another autistic person.
12. Being approached by strangers
People with autism don't always like to talk to strangers, and may not enjoy being approached when they aren't expecting it. It can be stressful and claustrophobic for them. They have trouble reading social cues and subtleties which is why they often dislike being approached by strangers. It could cause them to become socially anxious, overwhelmed and overly emotional and get stressed out.
There could be a lot more that people with Autism dislike. Let us know in the comments box.
By the way things like Special Needs Trust, Estate Planning, Having a last will and Testament are extremely important if you have a child with Autism and Special Needs. If you haven’t got down to getting these things in place and you need more information, an excellent book to check out is “What will happen to my Special Needs Child When I am Gone?“ by Susan Jules. It is available as an eBook on our website and as a paperback on Amazon
I dislike bathing late and I used to hate touch. Now I see touch is all around me, and I can’t avoid it. I hate not bathing early, like when I go out. I am a high-functioning person myself. I also hate math. I get overwhelmed with math. Also, I dislike “Star Trek” and “The Orville” because space battles are evil to me. Hm.
It’s not awkward. Autistic people are often excellent at socializing with each other, where they can avoid eye contact, stim, avoid small talk, share information and rely on their own natural communication preferences. But I’d suggest some autism respite (https://www.adventurerespite.com.au/) would do some good in real.