Today is Day 3 of our Autism Acceptance Week Celebration! Today's Dress up Day allowed students to wear clothes that represent something they are interested in or passionate about. We've seen sharks, princesses, athletes, train conductors, and artists like 6th grader Meredith Parrott!
Today, we were lucky to get to learn more about Meredith! Below you can read about her, and what it's like for her to have Autism.
About Me: Hi! My name is Meredith and I am 11 years old and in 6th grade. I was diagnosed with autism when I was 9 and in 4th grade. Having a diagnosis has helped me get the support I need from school and other resources. I love to do art, be creative, and make things.
What does it feel like to have autism? I am very sensitive to noises. Because of this, I am usually wearing headphones. I am sensitive to people talking, typing, pencil sharpening, and lots of other things that don’t bother other people. I worry a lot. I sometimes do repetitive things without noticing, like pacing back and forth.
How does autism impact your schoolwork and business? I need things to be done a certain way. Once I decide to do something, I am laser focused on getting it done. If I am interrupted, I get very upset. I worry a lot about whether people will buy my art. Sometimes these thoughts can consume my mind and I can’t stop thinking about it. In the classroom, it is hard to pay attention to the teacher when other kids are being distracting. My brain tells me not to talk sometimes.
How can you offer support to someone with autism? Pay attention to my mood. Sometimes I don’t feel like talking or being around people. I like to say my social battery is drained. Even when I am surrounded by people I love or activities I like, I am easily annoyed and want to get away. I am most comfortable with natural light and no noise. Also, sometimes I get stuck on a subject and could talk about it for hours, so it helps if you are a good listener.
CHS Sophomore, Zelda DeMoss, had the opportunity to interview Meredith today in her 6th grade classroom, learning all about the things Meredith is interested in. You can watch that interview here.