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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex development condition which challenges social interactions, speech, restricted behaviors and nonverbal communication. Some signs of ASD are most obvious during the childhood diagnosis.

The symptoms include:

• Not responding to his/her name by 12 months of age

• Not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months

• Not playing "pretend" games by 18 months

• Avoiding eye contact or preferring to be alone

• Getting upset by minor changes

• Flapping their hands, rocking their body or spinning in circles

• Having unusual and sometimes intense reactions to the way things smell, taste, feel or look

If you know anyone with symptoms mentioned above, DO NOT IGNORE. As Autistic people need everyone’s full support in getting better. They may think or act differently, but in reality, they are the same as us. We shouldn’t treat them like as if they’re different. We need to make sure that they understand that they too are a part of our lives.

Things will be hard for them if people don’t offer support. Here’s a list of things you should not say to an autistic person, and what to say instead.

WHAT NOT TO SAY

• “Don’t worry, everyone’s a little Autistic.”

• “You seem so normal! You don’t look Autistic.”

• “I have social issues too. I must have Autism.”

• “Do you take medication for that?”

WHAT TO SAY

• “Do you need help with anything?”

• “Can you explain what Autism is to me?”

• “Oh, that explains a lot about …why you touch the ground” or “why you walk back and forth.”

• “I’m here if you want to talk.”