Children with Autism: What We Know

April 21, 2025
April is Autism Acceptance Month – a great time to reflect on what we’ve learned. For over 27 years, KIT has worked with communities around the world to ensure that children with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are fully included in child and youth programs.

Here are five key things we’ve learned that help us create welcoming spaces for autistic children and youth:

A graphic summarizing the 5 key things KIT learned that help us create welcoming spaces for autistic children and youth with information from the blog, "Children with Autism, What We Know."

Assume Children with Autism are Competent

Autism is a spectrum, meaning it looks different for every child. Some children with autism speak; others communicate through pictures, gestures, sounds, or assistive devices. ALL kids with autism have unique strengths and talents. We know that children with autism are capable of much more than immediately meets the eye, especially kids with significant communication delays or challenges.

At KIT, we operate with a simple but powerful belief: assume competence. We presume children understand what’s being said—even if they don’t respond conventionally or verbally. We believe every child wants to connect and form friendships, even if those efforts look different from their peers. When we assume competence, we open the door to real connection.

Listen to Autistic Voices

Autistic people are our neighbors, colleagues, teachers, artists, and leaders. They come from every walk of life. The best way to learn about autism is to listen to those who live it. A great place to start is the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), an organization led by and for people with autism.

Support Communication, Connection, and Sensory Needs

Autism can impact communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. Inclusive programs offer support in all three areas:
  • Communication goes beyond words. Some children may speak but still struggle to express feelings or needs. Others may rely on alternative communication methods.
  • Connection with peers is essential for all children. Building friendships takes time and intention, especially when social cues are interpreted differently.
  • Sensory support matters in busy, noisy environments. One child might need headphones to block out overwhelming sounds. Another might need movement or sensory tools like a sit-n-spin to stay regulated. Every child benefits when we notice and respond to their sensory needs.

Use the Power of Play

Play is the universal language of childhood. It’s how kids explore, connect, and express themselves. For children with autism, play may look a bit different, but it’s always a valuable opportunity. Watch what a child gravitates toward. What toys do they choose? How do they use them? Sometimes you can join in right away; other times, you’ll need to move slowly and observe. By following the child’s lead and gradually inviting peers into the interaction, play becomes a bridge to connection.

Partner with Families of Children with Autism

Families are the true experts on their children. They know what brings on a smile, what causes a meltdown, and what strategies have worked—or failed—in the past. They can tell you about a child’s favorite games, characters, or calming tools. Listening to families helps you support a child with autism in a way that is personalized, respectful, and effective.

KIT Courses on Autism

1. Train Your Team: Ready, Set, Support: Autism

With leadership preparation, interactive staff trainings, and ready-to-use facilitation tools, the Ready, Set, Support: Autism series is a complete staff training system for autism support designed to help child and youth serving programs build confident, inclusive practices that last. This course prepares child and youth serving leaders and staff to build inclusive programs where children and youth with autism can flourish. This series helps staff:

  • Recognize sensory and communication differences and better understand how autism affects children differently
  • Create supportive spaces, schedules, routines, and accommodations that help children and youth participate and thrive
  • Build trusting relationships with children, youth, and families through respectful communication, partnership, and connection

2. Learning Hub Courses

Autism Fundamentals

Learn what Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is, understand the diverse needs of children and youth with ASD, and explore strategies for creating inclusive, supportive environments through this webinar series.

Autism Supports – I Have the Will, Help Me with My Skill

Explore skill-building supports that help school-age children with ASD bridge the gap between wanting to do something and knowing how, promoting greater independence.

Autism Supports – Let’s Flex: Creating Space for Flexibility

Learn strategies to help teens with ASD handle unexpected changes and build flexibility to navigate shifts in routine more successfully.

Autism Supports – Say What I Feel: Linking Words to Body Signals

Discover ways to help preschool children with ASD recognize and express how they physically feel, improving communication and social interaction.

Growing Up with Autism

Hear guest presenter Stephen Hinkle share his personal journey growing up with autism, highlighting academic and social challenges he has faced and overcome.

Understanding Autism

Gain a new perspective on autism by exploring the link between motor challenges and social-emotional development, and learn about emerging views on supporting children and youth with sensory and movement differences.