Between Spectrums

Traits to Work On

Remember when I told you that you can choose from your autistic traits to work on? Well I was thinking about that and I decided to find some of the traits and show them to you so you can see if that sounds like you. Some are similar to me, but I either still work on them or it doesn't bother me as much. 

1. Food Problems - That's pretty common among children but as they grow older they start to try new things and find that they like certain foods. Even autistic children do that, but sometimes when they get older they still eat the same thing without changing. So this could be something to start with. I would recommend starting small like certain vegetables that you don't like. For example I didn't like carrots but after trying one I like it as one of the ways to be healthy. I also didn't like lasagna but after trying some at my mission I really like it. Also figure out why you don't like certain foods. Could it be the texture? taste? smell? color? Whatever the reason, see if you can get past it and try something new.

2. Unusual Responses to Other People - Some people may not like other people touching them, hugging them, or any for of physical contact towards them. They sometimes prefer people who are familiar to them such as family or good friends but even they don't want to be touched by them. This is something that you don't have to do if you're not comfortable with yet. But if you want the comfort of a friend or family you should let them show they care. True they can say they care but just a hug or a simple hand on the shoulder can go a long way.

3. Eye Contact - To show that your listening or your talking to someone, eye contact is important. Also having good eye contact is one of the things in the body language that you're interested in what people have to say. It may be tough to do at first but once you start practicing it gets better.

4. Repetitive Behavior - People with autism tend to do things that may be considered weird. Such as hand flapping, hand shaking, or rocking or spinning of objects. This can be something you can start with. People can control themselves if they choose to do so. But if whatever the reason you can seem to stop you can occupy you hands with something that you can do. Like fixing something or doing a chore that requires you hands. 

There's more traits of autism that you can choose to work on but we'll start with those. If you have any questions just comment below and I'll be happy to answer.

Thank you for your time

Tay Gallagher