Five Social Tips For Children With Autism

One of the most endearing qualities of children on the autism spectrum is their forthright nature. Free of pretenses, un-swayed by public opinion and not concerned with making a good impression, spectrum kids simply are who they are!

This refreshing quality sometimes makes us LAUGH and sometimes makes us GASP! Let's take a lighthearted look at this charming quality along with 15 tips for social etiquette.

TELEPHONE MANNERS
Your child has finally learned to talk on the phone and you're glowing with pride. He's on the phone with his Grandma and you're smiling from ear to ear when suddenly you're appalled to notice the phone has been abandoned, your child is nowhere to be seen and Grandma is still yakking away.

Social Etiquette Tip
When you're finished talking to someone on the telephone, it's a good idea to say good-bye and then hang up. If you just put the phone on the desk and walk away, the other person won't know the conversation is over.

IN A RESTAURANT
The waitress leads you to your table with your child in tow. As your family is being seated you look around for your child. To your horror and everyone else your child is sampling other people's food on the way to your table.

Social Etiquette Tip
Other people's food might look delicious and smell delicious but it's their food. It might be tempting but you can't take food off stranger's plates and start eating it.

EXPRESSING GRATITUDE
Your child thanks his uncle for the gift and rips open the wrapping paper. His uncle sits next to him, eagerly anticipating his reaction. To your dismay, your son glances at the gift for one second before he disinterestedly drops it on the floor and runs off to get his train.

Social Etiquette Tip
Tip People spend a long time looking for gifts we like. Even if you don't like the gift, it's important to smile and say "Thank you."

RESPECTING OTHERS SPACE
Retrieving a book from the library shelf, you turn around to ask your child a question. you're frozen in shock when you notice a gentleman seated and trying to read a book while your son is an inch away from his face, staring into his wire rimmed glasses.

Social Etiquette Tip
Some people have big eyes and some people have small eyes. Sometimes glasses make their eyes look different. Sometimes glasses have interesting frames. Even so, you cannot put your face right in front of theirs to take a closer look.

TACT AND DIPLOMACY
Upon entering an ice cream shop you notice an acquaintance sitting at one of the tables. You greet her and introduce your son. As she smiles and says "Hi" to your son, he points his finger to a large mole on her cheek and in a very loud voice asks "What's that?"

Social Etiquette Tip
A mole is a dark bump on somebody's skin. If somebody has a mole, you should not point to it, you should not touch it and you should not ask in a loud voice "What's that?" You should try not to look at it if it bothers you.