How do you cope when you feel overwhelmed?
I love spending my time drawing my favourite cartoon characters and dancing. Sometimes my drawings help me learn new words, and other times they help me focus and feel calm.
My friends and I each have our special ways and tools to help us when we feel overwhelmed. My needs may change from time to time, but with the love and support of my family and teachers, I'm able to enjoy and live each day to the fullest!
"My parents and teachers help me adapt to changes one tiny step at a time, at a pace that feels right for me."
You see, I don't speak — so it's not easy to help others understand me. I am ultra sensitive to certain sounds.
"Sometimes I can't get people to understand me. This board helps me."
Dear Wisyh,
We fell in love at first sight… you opened up and showed me how vulnerable you could be. Perhaps you could feel that Mama is going to love and protect you for the rest of my life.
When you stepped into my life, you made me keep my foot on the ground. My world revolves around you. Son, you made me feel complete.
I kept insisting on bringing you out and letting you enjoy what the world has for every one of us. I do not shy away. I am always proud holding your hand and leading you around… or perhaps you are the one leading me most of the time to the shops you like.
I ignore the stares people give you, but sometimes Mama admits, Mama also stares back at them and explains that you, my son, have a different ability. Telling them to exercise more empathy, and smile to us or anyone around us and to stop staring at you or friends of yours. Smile, I said. It makes a lot of difference to any of US. That will make you and your friends calmer.
Son, Mama loves you with all my heart. Thank you for making me a better person. You are my son, and I am proud of you. Whatever achievements you made, I am standing tall with you. ASD is not a disability son, but it's a different ability, and I know that you are smarter than me. I admit. Thank you for accepting me to be in your life. I know you love me as much as I love you.
Take care, son. Mama will always be here for you.
With all my heart,
Mama KhaiSensory challenges often include under-sensitivity and not just over-sensitivity. Differences in sensory processing — whether hyper- (over) or hypo- (under) sensitivity — vary greatly from person to person.
Persons with autism process, experience, and navigate the world differently. They may face challenges with interaction, communication, rigid or repetitive behaviours, and sensory processing. Just as each of us has our own ways of coping with overwhelm, Darwisyh and many others like him have their own ways too.
Beyond these challenges, each individual brings a distinct set of talents and abilities — sometimes hidden and waiting to be discovered. At SAAC, we focus on carving out opportunities that bring out their potential in a way that aligns with their true selves, rather than seeking to change them.
Everyone copes in their own way. Persons with autism may wear noise-cancelling headphones, make sounds, hug a favourite toy, or sit quietly to feel calm.
If Darwisyh was your classmate, how can you support him when he feels overwhelmed and help him feel understood?
