1. By Bree Law

2.  Will they be able to understand me?  Can they relate to my life experience?  Will I say something to offend them?  How do I approach them?

3.  Many people with autism have normal to high IQs and some may excel at math, music or another pursuit.  Specialize in a subject.  Asperger's Syndrome: by definition a person with Asperger's Disorder cannot possess a "clinically significant" cognitive delay and most possess average to above average intelligence.

4.  Many people with autism are very sensitive. They might be feeling intense emotions, yet on the outside they may easily appear as emotionally flat.

5.  Struggle with social skills  Hard to pick up on sarcasm and body language alone; need direct communication.  Most keep to self because of sensory overload  Hobbies

6.  Autism is not a mental disorder. It's a neurobiological disorder that manifests in early childhood and is often diagnosed before the age of 5 years old. I see myself as a man, not an autistic man. ~ Bryce Notbohm

7.  People with autism are all unique. While they share some challenges like social skills, they are not all affected by autism in the same way. They have very unique personalities, interests, ideas and sense of humors.  gastro-intestinal disorders, food sensitivities, and many allergies.

8.  Spanking is NOT the answer!  1950s, "refrigerator mother hypothesis" arose suggesting that autism was caused by mothers who lacked emotional warmth.  Autism Meltdowns due to sensory overload

9.  More severely affected might require group homes and additional support as they get older.  Many work, contribute to society, get married and maintain close relationships with others. Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon

10.  Practically everyone is innately interested by sex.  Dating is a game; can be hard to “read between the lines”  Can get married and have close relationships Dave Hamrick and Lindsey Nebeker, couple with autism

11.  Bree Law: bree.law@partyforautism.orgbree.law@partyforautism.org  Visit our website: www.partyforautism.orgwww.partyforautism.org  Like “Party For Autism” on Facebook!