Autism Quotes: What People With Autism Wish You Knew

When my oldest daughter reached an age where she was able to verbalize some of her feelings about having autism, I was overwhelmed by the things she shared. First, it’s tough to have a kid tell you that you’re doing it wrong. Second, I realized I had underestimated her. There were things she thought and felt that were at a much more sophisticated level than I had imagined possible.

Sometimes we forget, as parents, as friends, and as a community, to ask the people with autism who we are trying to assist what they’re actually thinking and feeling. Rather than give them what we think they need, we need to ask first and take the time to stop and listen to them. That’s why I rounded up these autism quotes.

I asked some of my favorite families who have children with autism, as well as some other great people on the autism spectrum, what the rest of us can do to make their lives easier. Their answers were eye-opening.

Reading these autism quotes from so many amazing individuals reminded me that we should never underestimate a person because of a label they’ve been given. The autism community is a huge part of our world—one that needs to be heard and valued and accepted, not just during Autism Awareness Month, but all year long.

I wish you could hear these autism quotes brought to life by the unique voices behind them, but I hope you’re still as moved and enlightened as I was when you read them.

Autism Quotes

Kevin, age 8

"Stop being mean, and calling me names, and making me cry. Be my friend. Stop saying I'm weird." - Kevin, age 8
Violette, autism parent

"We've spoken about it, and he's said he wished people respected his need to be alone more." - Violette, autism parent
Darrius, age 8

"People could be more patient and wait longer when I am answering because sometimes it takes time to think of the right words." - Darrius, age 8
Nic, age 14

"Stop treating me like I'm 'normal.' Some things bug me. They will always bug me. I can't help it." - Nic, age 14
Steph, autism parent

"My seven-year-old son says people should stop being noisy and in a rush all the time." - Steph, autism parent
Drew, age 25

"Don’t overload me with too much information. Accept I may not look at you. Leave me alone when asked." - Drew, age 25
Ashlyn, age 22

"Ask me what I need help with before you help me." - Ashlyn, age 22
Rob, age 13

"Don't rush me into making a choice about whether I want to do or go somewhere. I need time to think it out in my mind." - Rob, age 13
Alice, age 25

"Stop telling me to 'apply myself more' to appear allistic." - Alice, age 25
Tiffanie, age 17

"Look it up, and understand." - Tiffanie, age 17
Emily, age 19

"Stay quieter." - Emily, age 19
Michael, age 25

"Stop laughing at me." - Michael, age 25
Elijah, age 15

"Follow the rules." - Elijah, age 15
Gregory, adult

"We need more. We are not voices to be ignored. " - Gregory, adult
Dennis, age 25

"Understand that I'm not different." - Dennis, age 25
Betsy, adult

"Make fewer (or no!) assumptions about our motivations, accept alternative ways of communicating as just as valid as speaking words, and treat us with respect, regardless of our age or appearance. These are things that we talk about fairly regularly as things that help (I'm autistic as well as my children being autistic)." - Betsy, adult
Mathias, age 9

"People could not be so hard on me. I don’t understand tones, and I don’t mean to have one. People need to not blame me when I can’t help my voice and not stare at me funny when I laugh and spin my beads." - Mathias, age 9
Molly, age 21

"One thing that other people could do to make my life easier would be to basically not let autism define their opinion of me, and get to know me before you judge me, please!" - Molly, age 21
Duncan, age 19

"For starters, we aren't stupid like most people think. We are just like everyone else. We see the world in a way others cannot understand. People think of it as crazy talk, so they treat us like we are low lives. We need more people who can sit down with one person with ADS, and talk to them. We might actually surprise you on how we are not that different." - Duncan, age 19
Jamie, age 11

"I wish people would play fair and be patient with me when I'm trying to learn or give me time to answer when I'm upset because it's hard to process, cool down, and talk at the same time." - Jamie, age 11
McCartney, age 13

"Listen to me. I don't know that many people take my side." - McCartney, age 13
MacKenzie, age 13

"When people make certain noises, especially loud ones, I go into this 'zone' of trance. If I’m too far-gone or overstimulated, it’s almost if I’m being held back. I can’t speak. I can’t focus. I often hyperventilate during these times, the anxiety taking part in this. Not being able to focus on important work just because of someone being obnoxiously loud affects me so much in my daily life. With my autism and anxiety mixed together, it makes a toxic combination.

So, in short, I would really prefer for schools to be more aware of certain needs for students and just having people be more cautious around people who have autism, and/or sensitive hearing." - MacKenzie, age 13
Wendy, age 33

"Be respectful. Accept our differences. Be understanding that sometimes we need extra time to respond to questions. Stop bullying us. Stop thinking we are like the 'Rain Man' movie.

Sometimes we need our space and alone time, while other times we would like to have friends, too. We are humans with emotions, just like you. Why don't you spend some time with us and get to know us before judging us? You may actually understand and like our company if you tried.

To all who have autism, and to our parents or partners, hang in there. Keep shining. We are all beautiful, smart, loving, amazing, and need to keep spreading love and understanding." - Wendy, age 33