How You Can Help
You do not need to be an expert. Understanding, patience and small acts of kindness make life easier for autistic children and their families.
If you see a child struggling in public
A child crying, shouting or covering their ears in a shop may be having a sensory meltdown — not misbehaving. Their parent is usually doing everything they can.
Please do
- Give the family space and a calm, kind look
- Ask the parent quietly: “Is there anything I can do?”
- Turn down music or move away if you are close by
- Stop others from staring or filming
Please don’t
- Stare, comment or take videos
- Say “just discipline them”
- Touch the child or crowd around
- Offer advice the parent didn’t ask for
For grandparents and relatives
- Learn about autism — reading this website is a great start
- Believe the parents. Autism can be invisible; “he looks fine” hurts
- Follow the same routines and rules the parents use
- Offer practical help: a meal, a school pickup, a few hours of babysitting
- Love the child for who they are, not who you expected
For teachers and schools
- Use visual timetables and give warnings before changes
- Allow movement breaks, fidget tools or a quiet corner
- Give instructions one step at a time
- Watch for bullying and teach classmates kindness and acceptance
- Work with parents and therapists as one team
For friends, neighbours and community
- Invite the family — even if they sometimes say no
- Ask what would make a visit or party comfortable (quieter room, familiar food, a set end time)
- Include brothers and sisters too; they often feel left out
- Be patient if the child does not answer, look at you or wants to leave early
- Make mosques, shops, parks and events more welcoming — quiet hours and calm spaces help many families
Talking to children about autism
Keep it simple: “Ali’s brain works a bit differently. Loud noises can hurt his ears, and he sometimes talks with pictures instead of words. He still likes to play — let’s find a game he enjoys.” Children are naturally accepting when adults model kindness.
Words matter
Instead of…
- “What’s wrong with him?”
- “She doesn’t look autistic.”
- “You need to be stricter.”
- “He’ll grow out of it.”
Try…
- “Tell me about your child.”
- “How can I help?”
- “You’re doing a great job.”
- “What does he enjoy?”
Free Urdu PDF guides
Download simple Urdu guides for parents, family, teachers and society — and share them on WhatsApp.
Please share this page with your family, friends and your child’s school. Every person who understands autism makes the world a little kinder.