What autistic people can teach you about communication | Kalen Sieja | TEDxCU?

Autistic people can teach you how to be a better listener and communicator, just like learning from a friend who speaks in their own special way.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy, maybe it's a train set or a puzzle. Sometimes, when someone talks to you while you’re playing, it’s hard to hear them clearly. That’s what some autistic people feel like when they’re trying to communicate. But just like how you learn new ways to play with your toys, they can teach you new ways to talk and listen.

Autistic people might not always look at you when they're talking, it's like when you're really focused on a game and don't notice someone calling your name. They might use simple words or repeat things a lot, just like how you might say “more juice” over and over until you get what you want.

But here’s the fun part: by learning their way of communicating, you can become a better friend, understanding that everyone has their own special language, and that's okay! Autistic people can teach you how to be a better listener and communicator, just like learning from a friend who speaks in their own special way.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy, maybe it's a train set or a puzzle. Sometimes, when someone talks to you while you’re playing, it’s hard to hear them clearly. That’s what some autistic people feel like when they’re trying to communicate. But just like how you learn new ways to play with your toys, they can teach you new ways to talk and listen.