Autism spectrum disorder, or autism, impacts how a person communicates and interacts with the world. This neurological condition occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, and signs of the disorder usually emerge around age 2 or 3. It’s estimated that 1 in 36 students and 1 in 45 adults around the world have autism. World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated internationally on April 2, and blue, a color commonly associated with calmness and acceptance, is often used symbolically on this day.
If your child has a friend, classmate, or family member with autism, they might wonder what to say or how to act at times. Here are some ideas of ways that your child can be a friend to someone with autism:
- Learn more about autism — autism changes how the brain works and no one knows what causes this disorder, but if you’re born with it you’ll have it for the rest of your life.
- Be clear and direct. Say exactly what you mean because people with autism may not understand jokes or sarcasm.
- Reading body language and understanding facial expressions might be tough for someone with body language. You can help by explaining social cues.
- Consider participating in the 2025 Active for Autism 5K and Kids’ Dash, which raises money for autism research.
- Find resources that can teach you more about autism:
- All Birds Have Anxiety by Kathy Hoopmann
- How to Speak Dolphin by Ginny Rorby
- My Best Friend Will by Jamie Lowell and Tara Tuchel
- Buster and the Amazing Daisy by Nancy Ogaz
- Of Mice and Aliens by Kathy Hoopman.
Additional options can be found here.
But the best way to support someone with autism is simply by being kind and compassionate. Make an effort to get to know someone with autism spectrum disorder — you might be surprised by how much you have in common!
