How to Be a Friend and Advocate for Someone with a Neurological Disability (Such As Autism or ADHD)

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Read a bit about the disability

   Understanding the perspectives of various disabled people can help you understand what they want, feel, and need.
   
   There is a strong autistic community presence online, where you can learn more about autism (which includes Asperger Syndrome).
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   Step 2: and the disability community.

   Autistic people are not necessarily savant-like, sleepwalking through life, unfeeling, or suffering deeply.
   
   A developmental disability does not always mean an intellectual disability.
   
   While they can co-occur, don't assume that being nonspeaking or flapping one's hands means that someone is less intelligent than you. , Each disabled person has a unique personality and set of abilities.
   
   Recognize that your friend might not meet every diagnostic criterion to the letter, and their experiences may differ from other people who have the same ability.
   
   If you've met one disabled person, you've met one disabled person.
   
   Don't assume that your friend with ADHD will be just like your four-year-old cousin with ADHD.
   
   For example, one might have a tendency to think that anyone who as much as greets them wants to be their friend while another might have a tendency to misread rudeness into subtle negative feelings such as disappointment or annoyance.
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   Step 3: Push aside stereotypes and misinformation.

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   Step 4: Recognize that your friend is an individual

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   Step 5: with their own talents and challenges.

Detailed Guide

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