Monday, July 15, 2019

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming

Posted: 15 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT

If you got a new ear piercing and you plan on going for a swim, you'll need to cover it up to avoid developing an infection. Experts say you should wait at least 24 hours after getting a piercing before you go swimming. If you swim before your new piercing heals, keeping it dry will protect it from the germs and harmful bacteria found in both swimming pools and natural bodies of water. You can purchase a water-resistant bandage to cover your piercing during swimming activities. If you're worried about a bandage falling off, opt for a swimming cap or waterproof band that covers the ears. Whatever you choose, make sure your ear piercing is completely covered so that water does not get inside.

EditSteps

EditUsing a Water Resistant Bandage

  1. Purchase waterproof bandages. Bandages can be found at most drug stores or online. This is the best option for covering your piercing. Of course, you'll need to ensure that it is completely waterproof so that the water does not touch your piercing. Look for information on the packaging that clearly indicates the bandages are water resistant. Purchase one that is the right size and will cover your entire ear piercing.[1]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 1.jpg
  2. Clean your piercing and pat it dry. Bandages are best applied when the skin is clean and completely dry. To clean your piercing use mild soap and water. Apply a small amount of soap to each side of the piercing and rinse it off within 30 seconds. Gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.[2]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 2.jpg
    • Always wait at least 24 hours after getting an ear piercing before you go swimming.
    • Do not remove your earring while cleaning. New piercings should not be removed at all until the area is fully healed.
    • Never use harsh soaps or antibacterial products to clean an ear piercing.
  3. Apply the water-resistant bandage over your piercing. Now that your piercing is cleaned and dry, it's time to apply the bandage. Follow the directions on the packaging to secure it to your skin. Most bandages are individually wrapped, so you'll need to take it out of the wrapping and place the absorbent pad over your earring and piercing. Then, remove the adhesive covering and apply it to the skin around your piercing.[3]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 3.jpg
    • Do not put the bandage on too tight. You don't want to squeeze your piercing, which can cause pain and bleeding.
  4. Press the adhesive firmly to ensure an airtight fit. Once your bandage is on your ear, press the adhesive sides firmly. You want to make sure it fully adheres to your skin so that no water gets through. Make sure both the front and the back of the piercing are covered with the bandage.[4]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 4.jpg
    • If you need two bandages to completely cover the piercing, feel free to do so. Just make sure you press firmly to seal the piercing.
  5. Test the bandage under tap water. To ensure that the bandage is completely waterproof and secure on your ear, you'll need to test it before going in the water. You can test it out in the shower or in the sink. Splash a significant amount of water over your bandage and see if your piercing gets wet. If it does, that either means the bandage isn't completely sealed, or it's not waterproof like the packaging indicates.
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 5.jpg
    • If your piercing got wet during your test, double check that the tape around the bandage is secure. It may be tricky to create a seal on your earlobe or cartilage, so do your best to push down the tape so that it covers everything.
  6. Check the bandage frequently while you're swimming. Waterproof bandages will not stay on for hours at a time. They will begin to peel off as time goes by. It's important to check the bandage regularly to make sure water is not leaking through. If it's beginning to come off, or you suspect that your piercing is getting wet, get out of the water, clean your ear, and apply a new bandage.[5]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 6.jpg
    • Try not to touch the bandage too much if you don't have to. If you're close to a mirror, you can look at your ear it to see if the bandage is starting to come off.
  7. Remove the bandage immediately after swimming. It's important that new piercings get plenty of air; so make sure to remove your bandage as soon as you get out of the water. After removal, check to make sure the area remained dry. If not, rewash the piercing immediately with mild soap and water.[6]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 7.jpg
    • Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water after you get out of the pool and before you touch the bandage. This will prevent any harmful germs or bacteria from transferring from your hands to your ear piercing.

EditCovering Your Ear Piercings with a Swimming Cap

  1. Purchase a swimming cap that covers the ears. Swimming caps are easy to find, but not all of them are designed to cover the ears. Also, some may only cover parts of the ear. So do your research when shopping for swimming caps that cover the ear. You want to make sure to find one with solid ear protection. Swimming caps can be found at most sporting good stores, or online.[7]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 8.jpg
    • When shopping for a swimming cap, make sure to check the material it is made from. Always avoid swimming caps that are made of spandex. Spandex is a fabric, which means water will easily seep through, and your piercing will most likely get wet. Look for materials with maximum water protection, such as silicone, latex, and rubber.[8]
  2. Pull your hair back in a bun or ponytail if it is long. Secure it with a hairband so it doesn't slip down when you put on the cap. If you leave your hair out or don't secure it completely, water might seep through the cap and get on your piercing.[9]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 9.jpg
    • If you have a significant amount of hair, long braids, or dreadlocks, consider purchasing a swimming cap that accommodates your hair. It will be tight on the sides but loose on the top to keep the water out and fit your hair at the same time.[10]
  3. Pull the swimming cap over your head and ears. Once your hair is out of the way, it's time to put the cap on. The easiest way to do this is to tilt your head down and hold the front of the cap on your forehead. Then stretch the cap over your hair until the back of the cap reaches the nape of your neck. Make sure to tuck your ears into the cap so that your piercing is completely covered.[11]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 10.jpg
    • Adjust the cap accordingly until it feels comfortable. Make sure all of your hair is tucked into the cap as much as possible.

EditWearing a Neoprene Ear Band

  1. Purchase a neoprene ear band. If you can't find a swimming cap to cover the ears, or you're looking for extra protection, purchase a neoprene ear band. It is similar to a headband, but it's waterproof, and it will completely cover your ears and piercing while you swim. You can find a variety of headbands in different sizes for both children and adults. They can be purchased at a sporting goods store or online.[12]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 11.jpg
    • If you're worried about the band slipping while you're swimming, you can place a swimming cap over it; although this is not necessary.
  2. Put your hair up in a ponytail if it is long. It's best to put your hair up and away from your face before putting on the headband. If your hair is long enough, smooth it back and bring it up into a high ponytail. If your hair is down, it may pull at the band while you're swimming and allow water to seep in.[13]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 12.jpg
  3. Put the center of the ear band across your forehead. If your neoprene ear band attaches with a fastener, open it up and place the center on your forehead right below your hairline. Don't put it too far up, or it will not completely cover your ears.[14]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 13.jpg
  4. Secure the ends of the ear band at the back of your neck. Adjust the fastener so it fits snugly around your head without slipping. While you're putting it on, make sure your piercing is completely covered with the band.[15]
    Cover an Ear Piercing for Swimming Step 14.jpg
    • If you're covering ear lobe piercings, you may need to slide your ear band down a little bit so that it covers your lobes completely.

EditReferences


Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


How to Create Good Videos on YouTube

Posted: 15 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT

With hours of new content uploaded to YouTube every minute, your videos need to be high-quality if you want viewers to find you. Videos meant to entertain or educate your audience may be different in subject matter, but they essentially require the same processes. Plan each video you make and be sure to use proper equipment to film it. After you record everything, edit your footage and share it so other people can find it. While you can't determine what videos will become popular, creating the best content you can increases your chances of people watching it!

EditSteps

EditPlanning Your Video

  1. Determine who you want as your target audience. Picking your target audience also helps you choose the types of videos you create. Choose an audience that you can relate to so you can figure out what types of content they're looking for. Once you choose a target audience, aim to make most of the videos on your channel about subjects related to your audience.[1]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • How-to videos have a large audience so they may help you get the most views and subscribers.
    • Video essays cover certain topics in detail and require research. Choose topics that you're personally interested in because other people might also have a similar interest.
    • Short comedy videos usually attract a large audience of younger viewers since they're easy to watch and share with others.
    • If you want to make short films, pick genres you like to watch and make films based on it.
  2. Watch other videos in the style you want to create. Look up other popular YouTube personalities that make content similar to what you want to do. Take notes about how their videos are structured, the points they cover, and what they film. Use the videos you watch as influences to your own content.[2]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Never steal another person's content or copy it word for word.
    • Put your own unique spin on the style of video to make yourself stand out. Look at what's common between multiple videos in that style and then change something to your own. For example, many video essays have people standing and talking directly to the camera. You may choose to shoot from different angles to make your essays more interesting.
  3. Research topics for your video if you're making informative content. Look up the topic to see what other people are searching for so you know what to include in your video. If you need to learn more about the topic, make sure you use reliable sources so you aren't spreading false information. Try to find a variety of sources so you become an expert on the topic.[3]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 3 Version 2.jpg
  4. Write a script or outline for your video (optional). Plan out what you're going to say ahead of time so you don't lose focus when it's time to record. You can either write a full script or a bulleted list of points that you want to cover. Go over the script a few times to edit out anything that doesn't fit with the rest.[4]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're making impromptu videos or recording yourself playing video games, you don't need to have a script or outline.
    • Include visuals in your outline, like things that you want to film or images you want in your final video.

EditChoosing the Right Equipment

  1. Use a camera with a tripod if you're filming yourself. Make sure the camera you use has enough storage for your video files since they can take up a lot of space. Put the video camera on a tripod so it doesn't move around or shake while you're recording since this could look unprofessional.[5]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're filming comedy videos or short films, you may choose to shoot without a tripod for some of your shots.
    • You can use your phone as long as it has enough memory available to record your video. You can buy phone tripods at convenience stores or online.
    • Bring extra batteries for your camera since recording can burn through them quickly.
  2. Light your recording area so it isn't too dark. Move lights around the space where you plan on recording to see how they affect the brightness. Make sure it's bright enough that you're visible on camera, but not so much that it causes harsh highlights or shadows. Aim to have 1 light set up to the left and right of your camera to create balanced lighting.[6]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • You can also use natural lighting coming from windows into your space.
    • You can film outdoors, but avoid shooting directly into the sun or else it will look too bright.
    • Your lighting all depends on the space where you're shooting. Rooms with lighter colors will look brighter than rooms with darker colors.
  3. Speak into a microphone to get clear audio. The microphones built into your camera or phone don't pick up audio clearly, especially if you're far away from them. Get an external microphone that has good sound quality so your videos sound and feel professional. Test the microphone beforehand to make sure it works.[7]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Lapel microphones clip onto your shirt so you can clear audio no matter where you are in the shot.
    • Directional microphones pick up sounds in whichever direction they're pointing.
    • Omnidirectional microphones pick up any noise around it.
  4. Keep the background clean if you plan on recording educational content. Choose a clean wall or area where you feel comfortable to film your video. Remove anything that's cluttering the background of your recording area since it could be distracting to viewers. Leave some objects, such as books or posters, to give your shot some visual interest.[8]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • If you don't have a clean wall to film in front of, try hanging up a sheet and standing in front of it instead.
  5. Use a screen-capture program if you're filming video games or computer screens. Look online for free video-capture programs so you can record the game you're playing. Follow the program's instructions and select the screen or window you want to record to capture the footage. That way, you can use your microphone to record your audio and while the software records the footage and audio from your computer.[9]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Screen-capture programs work great for digital art videos, video game let's plays, and how-to computer tutorials.
    • Try filming video of yourself even if you're using a screen-capture program. That way, you have the option to include it if you need it.

EditRecording the Video

  1. Practice your video a few times before recording it. Go over your script and practice saying it out loud to see how it flows. Make any changes to the script that you need to so it's easier to say. Try running through your lines faster or slower to see how the emphasis changes. If you're talking directly to the camera, practice your delivery until it feels like you're naturally having a conversation.[10]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're working with multiple actors, run through the scenes a few times to rehearse your script.
    • Don't be afraid to get rid of lines that don't work as well you thought they would.
  2. Record multiple takes of the video so you can choose different shots. After you hit record on your camera, do your best to deliver your lines without hesitation. If you screw up, keep the camera running and just start the line over again. It's okay if you stumble on a few words since you can edit them out later. After you get a good take, read the lines at a different speed or with different emphasis so you have the option to use those shots later on.[11]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Try to stick to your script or outline so you don't lose focus while you're recording.
    • If you're shooting comedy videos, try to improv a few lines since they could be funny when you edit them later on. That way, you have an option for what jokes you want to include.
  3. Film extra footage so you can include it if you need to. Videos like travel vlogs, short films, and educational content usually have extra footage called B-roll that's used to fill in any gaps. You may use additional footage to transition between topics in your video or to add visual interest. Make sure to include any shots that you may want to add later so you can put them into your video during the edit.[12]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if you're filming a video about a trip to Paris, you may include footage of the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe to show off the landmarks.
  4. Speak clearly so people listening can understand you. Be sure to articulate each word while you're speaking so you're easy to listen to. Stay at a moderate volume so your microphone doesn't peak and muffle your audio. It's okay if you screw up a line or two since you can always rerecord it.[13]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 13 Version 2.jpg
  5. Ask people to like and subscribe to your channel so you can build an audience. At some point while you're recording, be sure to ask viewers to like the video and subscribe to your channel. You can tell people in the intro of your topic or at the end of your video. That way, your video and channel can get more popular so other people will see your content.[14]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • You may say something like, "And don't forget to click the thumbs up if you like this video and subscribe to my channel if you want to see more!"
    • Asking people to like and subscribe may not work well if you include it in short films.
    • You can also ask people to like and subscribe by including text at the end of your video as a reminder.

EditEditing Your Video

  1. Use video editing software to cut your footage together. Install video editing software on your computer so you can cut the footage from your video. There are many free options for editing, but you may get more functionality from paid programs. Familiarize yourself with the software you're using so you know what you're capable of creating.[15]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • Common video editing software you can use includes Adobe Premiere, Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, and Final Cut.
    • Don't upload your video to YouTube unedited since it won't get as many views.
    • YouTube has a built-in editor, but it has limited functionality.
  2. Cut out any pauses that are too long so your video moves quickly. Load your footage into the program and rearrange it into the order you want. Watch through the footage and remove any time you stumble over your lines or pause for a long time. Aim to have quick cuts to maintain your viewers' attention and prevent your video from getting boring or long-winded.[16]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 16.jpg
    • Cut out any content that you don't want to include in your video.
  3. Add effects and animations to make your content unique. Educational videos usually include images, infographics, or small animations to add more visual interest to your videos. If you don't have footage for part of the video, use an image or animation with your narration to fill in the gaps. You may also include transitions between your footage to make the video flow and look smooth.[17]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 17.jpg
    • You can make your own animations in programs like Adobe After Effects or Blender.
    • Adding visuals and graphics to a short film can help create a unique filmmaking style.
    • Look online for tutorials on how to create certain effects in your video.
  4. Make your video only as long as it needs to be. Videos are most popular if they are around 5 minutes long, but it may be longer or shorter depending on the topic you're covering. Cut out any footage or audio that doesn't fit the tone of the rest of your video. When you're finished with an editing pass, watch through the video to see if there is anything that you still need to remove.[18]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 18.jpg
    • Many comedy videos range between 30 seconds to 2 minutes long.
    • Educational videos may be longer than 10 minutes depending on how much information you're covering.

EditUploading Videos to YouTube

  1. Give your video a catchy title to draw viewers in. Include any keywords about your topic early in the video title so people can see it immediately when they search it. Be sure to describe what you're covering in enough detail so viewers know what to expect from the video. Keep the title less than 60 characters long so it's catchy and easier to share.[19]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 19 Version 2.jpg
    • You can use titles that are clickbait as long as you don't lie about the content of your video.
    • If you need to include episode numbers on your videos, put them at the end of your title so the important information is first.
  2. Fill out the description and tags so people can find your video easily. Write what you're doing in the description of your video so other people can read it and learn more. Include helpful information or links you didn't include in the video. Update the tags on your video with keywords relating to your video so it shows up in more searches.[20]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 20 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if your video is about replacing a tile floor, you may include tags like, "tile flooring," "replacing tile," and "home improvement."
    • Try linking to different times in your video if you cover a lot of information. This helps viewers jump to the part of the video that they need.
  3. Create a custom thumbnail for your video to hook viewers. Video thumbnails are the first images you see when you're searching for a video, so it's important for them to stand out. Use a photo editor to create a thumbnail using a still frame or picture from your video. Put text on the thumbnail so you can read it from a distance to make it more noticeable when you search it.[21]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 21 Version 2.jpg
    • If you don't make a custom thumbnail, YouTube will let you choose a still frame from your video to use instead.
  4. Set a consistent upload schedule so viewers know when to expect new content. If you want to get more subscribers and views, upload videos regularly so people can watch them. You can choose to make multiple videos a week or once a month. Make sure to stick to your schedule so you don't lose any viewers or subscribers.[22]
    Create Good Videos on YouTube Step 22.jpg
    • Plan to have 2-3 videos ready at all times so you can have a back-up video if a different one you're making takes up more time.

EditTips

  • Share your videos on social media accounts to get more viewers.
  • Go to the YouTube Creator Academy site to watch video tutorials and learn how to make videos. You can find the Creator Academy here: https://creatoracademy.youtube.com/page/home.

EditWarnings

  • Make sure your content doesn't break any YouTube guidelines or it could be removed.
  • Don't make any content that harasses other people or contains illegal content, or else your account could get suspended or deleted.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

{{Summary:Create-Good-Videos-on-YouTube}
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


How to Respond when Someone Says They're Autistic

Posted: 15 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT

Good information about autism can be scarce, so when someone tells you that they're autistic, you may not know what to say. It's important to be kind and speak in ways that support their self-esteem (instead of accidentally tearing them down). This guide includes examples of what you can say to an autistic person, to help them feel supported and valued for who they are.

EditSteps

EditWatching Their Mood

  1. Pay attention to how they feel about autism. When someone tells you something important about themselves, it's important to note how they feel about it. Understanding their feelings can help you figure out how to react.
    Two People Talking.png
  2. Be encouraging to someone who sounds excited or happy about their diagnosis. For some people, an autism diagnosis is a relief, because it explains unanswered questions about their lives and empowers them to get the support they need.[1][2] Feeling positive about autism is also a sign of strong self-esteem, which should be encouraged. Here are some examples of things you could say to someone who is happy about being autistic:
    Person Listens to Happy Autistic Friend.png
    • "You're autistic? That's cool!"
    • "I'm so happy you finally got a diagnosis. I hope that this can help make your life a lot easier."
    • "My sister is autistic, too. She's very clever and kind, a lot like you."
    • "I'm glad to see you feel positive about being autistic. I think it's great that the world is filled with all different kinds of people."
    • "I'm happy for you."
  3. Be sympathetic to someone who sounds worried or negative, without encouraging them to feel bad. It can be tough to listen to someone who feels down about themselves, and it can be even harder to know what to say. Try to validate their feelings, without blaming autism or blaming them. Let them vent, without necessarily agreeing with their negative perspective.
    Husbands Comforting Each Other.png
    • "I'm sorry to hear that you're stressed about this."
    • "It sounds like you're overwhelmed by your new diagnosis."
    • "Yeah, people do say a lot of negative things about autism. It's understandable that that would make you sad."
    • "I'm sorry to hear you're feeling inadequate. I want you to know that I don't see you that way."
  4. Offer a listening ear if they want to talk about it. If they're still sorting out their feelings about autism, or they haven't yet accepted their diagnosis, then they may need someone to listen to them. Pay attention, ask questions, and try to validate their feelings.[3] Avoid pushing your own perspective too hard (even if you feel that they're very wrong). Here are some examples of things you could say:
    Husband Listens to Wife.png
    • "So you felt surprised and excited?"
    • "What happened next?"
    • "Sounds like you did a lot of research. Did you find any good results?"
    • "I'm sorry to hear you feel so negatively about autism. Why do you feel that way?"

EditKnowing What to Avoid Saying

  1. Avoid pitying or inspirational remarks. Congratulating them for existing, or talking about how awful autism must be, can make them feel bad about themselves. It's not helpful to make someone feel like they're defective.[4][5] Here are some examples of harmful remarks:
    Man Pities Disabled Woman.png
    • "I'm so sorry."
    • "Wow, that's awful."
    • "You're so brave!"
    • "You must need a hug."
    • "Oh, that's so sad!"
    • "It's very strong of you to carry on. If I had autism, I would kill myself."
    • "I feel sorry for your parents."
  2. Don't deny or minimize their autism. Making minimizing or stereotype-based comments can show how ignorant you are, and may make them feel bad. It's rude to contradict them when they tell you who they are, whether you do it implicitly or explicitly. Unhelpful statements include:[6][7][8]
    Artsy Teen Says No.png
    • "You don't look autistic."
    • "But you can talk/make eye contact/smile/draw/attend college/have a job/do interesting things!"
    • "Are you sure?"
    • "You're not disabled. You're differently abled."[9]
    • "You're nothing like my 2-year-old cousin."
    • "Autism is just an excuse for bad behavior."
    • "But you aren't a boy/child/white person!"
    • "You can do anything you put your mind to. Don't let autism hold you back."
    • "But you're so normal/smart/nice/funny/likable/cool!"
    • "Everyone's a little autistic."
  3. Avoid categorizing them as high-functioning or low-functioning. Functioning labels do more harm than good.[10][11][12] Autistic people have both needs and strengths. If you call them "high-functioning," then they may worry that you will ignore their needs and struggles, and if you call them "low-functioning," they may worry that you won't see their strengths. Avoid sorting them into a binary. Examples of unhelpful comments include:
    Young Person Weighs Pros and Cons.png
    • "You must be very high-functioning, then."
    • "It must be very mild."
    • "You must be on the higher end of the spectrum. You seem normal to me."
    • "I know someone on the spectrum... They're much more severe than you."
    • "You do a great job of hiding it."
    • "If my kid could do what you can, I'd consider them recovered."
  4. Avoid assuming that they have a special talent. Only about 1 in 10 autistics have savant skills. These stereotypes aren't helpful,[13][14] and they can be discouraging to autistic people who don't have any savant skills. While there are lots of talented autistic people, the majority of autistics worked hard to gain their skills (just like non-autistics have).
    Man Gently Shushes.png
    • "You must be good at math."
    • "So that makes you a computer wizard, right?"
    • "Does that mean you can draw landscapes from memory?"
    • "So what's your superpower?"
  5. Don't pry about medical details. Just like you wouldn't ask a non-autistic person about their health, it's rude to ask unsolicited health questions to an autistic person.[15][16] Autistics deserve to have their privacy respected, just like everyone else.[17] They'll only tell you medical details if they feel comfortable, on their own terms.
    Middle Aged Man Mentions Doctor.png
    • "Are you on medication for that?"
    • "What type of treatment are you going to get for that?"
    • "Can you have sex?"
    • "So what therapies did you go through?"
  6. Avoid discussions of causation or cure.[18] Autism is an inborn, lifelong disability. Asking what caused it, or if they want a cure, has a nasty subtext: the idea that autistics are defective, and the world would be better out without them.[19]
    Conspiracy Theorist Confuses Reasonable Person.png
    • "So, were you vaccinated as a child?"
    • "Will you get better soon?"
    • "I read that autism was caused by vaccines/GMOs/TV/milk/bad parenting/pollution/cats/toxins/demons."
    • "I heard they're working on a cure. Aren't you excited?"
    • "Aren't you worried your kids could get it from you?"
    • "Have you tried yoga/essential oils/oxytocin/exorcism?"
    • "I heard about this cool new therapy to train children with autism to learn to be normal. Have you tried it?"
    • "I'll pray for God to heal you."
  7. Don't criticize their unusual behavior. Autistic people are different, in ways they can't always control. They may have developed coping mechanisms that look odd to you. Try not to make a big deal out of quirks like hand-flapping or rocking. If they're being disruptive (like being noisy in a library), just gently let them know. Avoid personal criticisms like:[20][21]
    Autistic Teen Feeling Inadequate.png
    • "Your fidgeting is so embarrassing!"
    • "You're acting crazy. Calm down."
    • "Can you stop asking so many questions? You're annoying."
    • "Stop using your autism as an excuse."
    • "You're weird."
    • "Eye contact isn't that hard. Make an effort."
    • "Why are you so immature?"
    • "Stop that! What's wrong with you?"

EditKnowing What to Say

  1. Consider affirming your love or respect for them. Sometimes, autistics may worry that disclosing their diagnosis will cause you to see them differently. You can reassure them that things won't change because you know of their diagnosis now. Here are some examples of helpful things to say:
    Man Speaks Lovingly to Girl.png
    • "You're still my wife and the same person I've known and loved for years. This diagnosis changes nothing about us."
    • "This doesn't change anything. You're still my awesome nerdy friend."
    • "Now that Daddy and I know you're autistic, we'll know better ways to help you. But not much will change. We'll still have fun, and play outside, and do all the normal things we do as a family."
  2. Know that it's okay to ask questions if you don't understand.[22][23] As long as you're kind and polite, it's generally okay to ask questions. It's better to ask than to assume.
    Young Woman and Older Man Talk.png
    • "I don't understand autism well. Could you please explain it to me?"
    • "I heard that some autistic people don't like to be touched. Is that true for you?"
    • "I heard some weird stereotypes, like that autistics can't talk or have jobs. Which, knowing you, is obviously false. Could you teach me a little more about autism, to help me get rid of any other misconceptions I might have?"
  3. Feel free to mention the positive autistic traits you've seen in them. This can be reassuring and affirming to the autistic person.[24][25] It can help support their self-esteem too. Try saying something like:
    Teens Flirt in Cafeteria.png
    • "You know, I've heard that autistics can have really good long-term memory. No wonder."
    • "I've always noticed how passionate and focused you are. I'm not surprised to find out you're autistic."
    • "I once read that autistic people can be very creative. Considering the beautiful pictures you paint, I'm not surprised."
  4. Try asking them to let you know how you can help. Every autistic person is different, and that means that different autistic people will need different types of support.
    Guy Speaks Nicely to Autistic Girl.png
    • "Let me know how I can help."
    • "How can I help you succeed in my class?"
    • "I've noticed you cover your ears sometimes when there's noise. Do you prefer hanging out in quieter places?"
    • "How can I help you when you get overwhelmed?"
    • "I've seen that sometimes, you struggle to find the word you're looking for. When that happens, does it help if I suggest words, or is it better if I just wait while you try to find the word?"
  5. Continue treating them like a friend. Let life continue on as usual. Keep being kind, patient, and friendly towards them. You don't have to treat them differently. Friends might say things like:[26]
    Man Speaks Positively to Woman.png
    • "How are you?"
    • "What are your favorite things?"
    • "Want to come and sit with me?"
    • "Are you fidgeting because you're uncomfortable, or are you just doing that for fun?"
    • "What type of music do you like?"
    • "Want to come to the book store with me?"
    • "I'm going to get ice cream. Do you want some too?"

EditTips

  • If they say that they're having difficulty finding information, or that most of the information is negative and disempowering, try suggesting wikiHow's autism articles.

EditWarnings

  • The anti-vaccination movement can be very hurtful to autistic people, who may be made to feel like they are damaged or seen as suffering a fate worse than death.[27][28][29] Avoid voicing support for the anti-vaccine movement to an autistic person, because they may feel devalued and rejected.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


No comments:

Post a Comment