Zoom Autism Magazine Summer 2015 (Issue 4) | Page 62

F or individuals on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities, safety is a huge concern. Sometimes we are more naïve or unaware of our surroundings. Maybe we won’t notice that it is getting dark outside and that it is time to go home – walking home alone at night isn’t the best idea. Some of us wander, and whether it is unintentional or a desire to explore our surroundings, it can lead to dangerous situations. Furthermore, there are always people out there who misinterpret our actions and may not understand that we may have trouble communicating. What do all of these concerns have in common? They all boil down to issues of safety and personal comfort. As an autistic person, I know just how easy it is easy to get confused with all of the different signs in this world. Trying to understand how others may see you and having a sense of self-awareness isn’t always e