FOLLOWERS OF IRISH Snapchatter James Kavanagh are used to lots of snaps about the lighter side of life.
But, in honour of Autism Awareness Month, he decided to do something different – interview his 13-year-old nephew Sean about what it’s like to have autism.
Sean gave an articulate explanation of his experience with the condition and offered some tips on how to help people with autism:
Loud noises and loud music really get to me. Personal space – I don’t like when people get too close to me. I get uncomfortable when people who aren’t my family hug me.
Be understanding. Let them into your activities. Always use literal language, never be sarcastic, because some autistic people don’t get sarcasm or irony. Don’t ever use words like ‘spa’ or ‘special’.
Sean’s interview was a huge hit with James’ Snapchat followers, many of whom sent Sean messages of thanks and support.
The response was so positive that James decided to put the entire interview on Facebook, where it’s being shared hundreds of times.
https://www.facebook.com/MrJamesKavanagh/videos/1535632840071958/
James told DailyEdge.ie that he interviewed Sean because he wanted to hear about having autism from a child’s perspective.
I think it’s refreshing. The experts have had their voice – I want to hear what it’s like from someone who has it!
“I’ve genuinely never had this much love about anything I’ve previously done.”
