Understanding Autism:
A Tega Cay Lions Club initiative
Autism is one of the most misunderstood invisible disabilities — not because people lack compassion, but because so many of its traits are easy to overlook. While some autistic individuals communicate differently, avoid eye contact, or experience sensory overwhelm, many signs of autism are subtle, internal, and deeply personal.
“Autism doesn’t have a single look,” says the Tega Cay Lions Club Mental Health Committee. “A person may appear calm on the outside while feeling overloaded on the inside.”
Approaching an autistic person requires patience and clarity. Experts recommend using direct, literal language and avoiding sudden changes or unexpected touch. For someone with sensory sensitivities, a crowded room, bright lights, or overlapping conversations may feel overwhelming.
Simple steps — such as asking before moving closer, giving more processing time, or offering a quiet space — can make communication more comfortable.
Most importantly, we should avoid statements like “You don’t look autistic.” Autism is not something that should be judged by appearance. It is a neurotype, not a behavior flaw.
By understanding communication differences rather than trying to correct them, we help build a community where autistic residents feel accepted, supported, and seen.
Meet a Neighbor
“As a parent of a child with autism, I’ve learned how much approach and tone matter. Recently at a park, my 9-year-old son was riding his scooter in an area where it was allowed when a woman approached him and told him he wasn’t supposed to be riding there. Because he is very rule-oriented and always tries to do the right thing, this confused and upset him — he knew he wasn’t doing anything wrong. The interaction escalated quickly, and he became so overwhelmed that an officer was called, and by then he was too distressed to recover calmly. Moments like this show how important it is to approach children — especially those who may process things differently — with patience. Of course, if a child is doing something wrong, they should be guided and corrected, but the way it’s communicated matters. A calm tone, asking a question instead of giving a command, and allowing time to process can make all the difference. Something as simple as, “Hey buddy, can I ask you a quick question?” can completely change the outcome. Many autistic children want to follow the rules, but when they feel confused or confronted, it can quickly become overwhelming. A little patience and kindness can turn a difficult moment into a better one”.
“As an autistic adult who was diagnosed later in life, I experience misunderstandings all the time simply because I don’t ‘look autistic’ — but then, who really does? Autism doesn’t have one appearance, and many of us who are diagnosed as adults have spent years masking our traits just to get by. When I get overstimulated or frustrated because I’m struggling to communicate clearly, I sometimes raise my voice without meaning to. To most people, it just comes across as anger or rudeness — and how could they know it’s autism? Even when I explain my diagnosis, many still don’t fully understand. I’ve realized the real answer isn’t expecting everyone to recognize every sign of autism. It’s in how we approach one another. If someone raises their voice or sounds stern, instead of saying ‘I don’t like your tone — you seem angry,’ try curiosity: ‘It seems like you may be upset. Can I help you with something?’ A calm, kind question like that can change everything. It works for everyone and helps build the kind of community where people feel truly seen.”
A volunteer with NAMI Tri-County on the autism spectrum shared that our article resonated with her experience, particularly in how it highlights the differences in how autism presents in individuals and the importance of effective communication. She noted that, during moments of overwhelm, communication can become more difficult:
“Generalized questions with many potential answers can be difficult as well. It’s easier for me to answer yes or no questions when I’m overwhelmed, for example.”
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, and support close to home matters. We are proud to share NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, a local organization serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties.
NAMI Piedmont Tri-County offers education, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions—helping make the invisible visible and reminding our community that no one has to navigate mental health challenges alone.
Website: https://namipiedmont.org/
To learn more or to request an Vis-Ability Project sticker, please scan the QR code and message the Tega Cay Lions Club. Your support helps bring awareness and understanding to invisible disabilities within our community.
