(soft piano music)
- [Girl] Today, I want to share something
very important with you.
Something very special about me.
I hope you will understand.
- [Boy] I'm not like all the other kids.
I'm autistic!
Some people are good at fitting in.
I was born to stand out.
Being autistic means that my brain works differently.
I see things that no one else can see.
And do things that no one else can do.
You probably know someone who is autistic.
Maybe a friend or someone in your family
but they're probably not like me either.
We're all different and that's what makes us special.
Most of the time, I like being me.
There's no one else like me!
But it's not always easy to be different.
Especially when people don't understand me.
I want them to understand but when they don't,
I feel sad and alone.
Sometimes, people think I'm naughty or lazy or weird.
They tell me to be normal
and to do things like everyone else.
Sometimes, I do wish I could fit in but I can't.
I've tried, it feels fake, it's not me!
So, this video is to help you understand me.
Life is so much easier when people understand.
- [Girl] I'm not good at everything, just some things.
No one's good at everything.
We all shine from different angles.
It's easy to concentrate on things that interest me.
My hobbies and interests give me so much energy.
I love them so much, I could do them all day!
Sometimes, I get so excited, you can see it in my body.
I might bounce up and down or flap my hands.
I wish I could share my excitement
but other kids aren't as interested as me.
Instead, I often get told to calm down or be quiet.
I'm having so much fun,
it's hard to do other things instead.
- [Boy] I often find people confusing.
When you speak in secret codes, I don't understand.
Can you just tell me what you really mean?
I have a great imagination
and so sometimes I like to be in my own little world.
It's a safe place.
I understand it and it's not scary.
- [Girl] Making friends with other kids is hard.
They think I'm strange and they're often mean to me.
It's easier to play alone or talk to adults instead.
Sometimes, I do want to join in but I don't know how.
I'm scared of getting it wrong.
I just want to be accepted.
I need your help to find ways to connect.
It's fun to be around other autistic kids.
We're all different from each other.
Which means, I'm not the odd one out anymore.
It's okay to be me and I don't need
to worry about what they might think.
I can share things I love and they can, too!
- [Boy] I can be sensitive to some things.
Bright lights hurt my eyes and loud noises hurt my ears.
I want to run away where they can't hurt me.
Going out can be scary
because I don't know what will happen.
I like things that I already know.
Things I know are safe.
I feel safe when I know what to expect.
- [Girl] Did you know you smell funny?
I always notice but I don't tell you
just in case you get angry.
Most people don't like being told they smell funny,
even when they do.
Sometimes, clothes are itchy and food is disgusting.
Other kids don't seem to notice.
I guess it doesn't bother them.
I wish it didn't bother me but it does.
- [Boy] Please take me seriously when I try to explain.
Even if it just sounds strange to you.
If you say I'm being silly,
I feel alone. It's hard to be brave all alone.
Some things are very difficult for me.
Little things like, trying to sit still
or spending all day at school being around
lots of noisy, smelly people.
It's exhausting and I need a break to recharge.
- [Girl] If I rock or sing to myself,
I'm not trying to be disrespectful or distracting.
It helps me feel calm.
Please don't be offended if I don't look you in the eye.
I'm not ignoring you or trying to be rude.
It's easier to listen if I look away.
Sometimes, I get exhausted and forget what I was doing.
I'm not trying to be naughty.
My thoughts run so fast, help me stay on track.
- [Boy] Sometimes, I need time to think.
Please be patient with me if I don't answer straight away.
It can be hard to tell others how I feel.
When I feel rushed, I get very stressed and can't think.
I worry that if I take too long, you will stop listening.
Giving me time helps me to communicate.
I'm not lazy when I don't tie my shoe laces
or don't pack things away.
These things are not easy, please don't call them easy.
I feel stupid and useless when I can't do easy things.
- [Girl] I have big feelings sometimes.
It's like everything's amplified.
I can be really frustrated, angry, scared, excited
and even happy all at once.
I need time to calm down and process what's going on.
But if I don't get a break, I have to hold everything in.
Sometimes, I just want to curl up into a ball or run away.
I want to find a safe place where I can be myself
without always worrying about doing the wrong thing
and being punished for it.
Even if I look okay okay on the outside,
I may be about to burst on the inside.
Like when I get home from school,
I spend a whole lot of energy trying to be normal,
trying to be brave and keeping my feelings on the inside.
My bucket is so full, it's about to burst.
One more tiny drop and everything comes out.
I'm tired and I can't just hold it in anymore.
I don't want to be naughty,
I just can't be brave anymore.
I hope you're not angry at me.
- [Boy] When I have a meltdown,
I'm not throwing a tantrum.
I'm overwhelmed and I'm not coping.
Sometimes, I scream or yell or hit something or run.
I don't mean to scare you.
I hope I don't hurt you or break anything.
Please keep calm and help me stay safe.
When it's all over I feel ashamed.
I wish I could hold it together.
I'm not a naughty kid.
I feel sad and worry that you're disappointed in me.
I'll try harder next time.
- [Girl] Asking for help is hard.
I worry what you will think of me
and I worry how you will react.
One day I may need to tell you something really important.
One day I may need to share that I feel empty on the inside
or that I feel alone and worthless.
When it feels like life is hard,
remind me that I'm not a broken version of normal.
I'm unique and individual, creative and kind,
and capable in my own way.
Don't tell me that you understand
or that it's not that bad.
Just be with me and show me that you're on my team
and that you're not going to leave me alone.
Life with autism is not a walk in the park.
It's more like a roller coaster.
People pay money to get on roller coasters
so they don't try and hop off.
And don't let my bad days define me.
Just hold my hand when I'm afraid
and we'll have an amazing ride together.
Even when you get it wrong,
it means so much to me that you tried.
I see that you care about me and that's what really matters.
- [Boy] The little things you do make a big difference.
Your kindness and understanding changes my whole world.
When you believe in me, it helps me to believe in myself.
So be nice to me and speak positively about me.
I can probably hear you even if you think I can't.
I hope this video has helped you to understand me.
I'm human just like everyone else.
Even when I feel like an alien,
lost and a long way from home.
So next time you see me,
instead of making assumptions about me,
take some time to get to know me.
I'm autistic and I'm awesome.
Don't expect me to be normal.
Just let me be me and I'm sure I will surprise you.
To make the world a better place for autistic people,
don't force me to fit in.
Include me while I'm different.
- [Girl] I hope you've enjoyed this video.
And please share this message
as part of Autism Acceptance Month.
(positive orchestral music)