Give children and teenagers clear language for talking about autism, sensory needs and individual strengths with this Autism & Me infographic poster. It offers a respectful, easy-to-read way for autistic young people to share what may feel difficult, what helps, and what they would like others to understand.
At home, in a classroom or during a support session, this autism poster can help start a calm conversation between an autistic child or teen and the adults around them. Its opening explanation frames autism as a difference in how the brain works, rather than an illness, and recognises that there is no single way to be autistic.
Six numbered sections cover what autism is, how it might feel, things that may be hard, personal strengths, helpful responses and key facts for others to know. Examples include sensory overload from noise, bright lights, smells, touch or crowds; worry about unexpected changes; needing extra time to answer; and finding social interaction tiring.
The poster also names practical support needs that children, young people and autistic adults may want to communicate. It encourages people to speak clearly, give advance warning of changes, allow breaks, avoid forcing eye contact, and accept movement or stimming when it helps. A final prompt, “Ask me what works for me”, keeps the focus on the individual.
Teachers, SEND staff, parents, carers and autism support workers could print it for a bedroom, calm space, school inclusion display or one-to-one discussion. It may be particularly useful for primary-aged children, secondary school students and teens who benefit from visual autism information, as well as classmates or family members learning how to offer more understanding support.
