http://autismawarenesspage.com/what-does-it-feel-like-to-have-autism/#6X0tXUkf5R79LGxQ.01
Imagine dealing with the overload of sound. I also imagine it to be a similar process when it comes to vision - maybe seeing too many features at one time. What would you do? Like the "video" says, would you yell, scream and hit things or people, kick, etc. (paraphrase).
Some of the physical outlets for kiddos on the spectrum include: hitting, scratching, slapping, kicking, head banging and biting. This physical outlet is generally known as autism aggression. The external signs / scars are as you might expect include scratches, bruises, bite marks and missing hair.
You should be aware that these things can happen, and learn how to be prepared to catch it. There isn't always a warning. You can learn some of the "tells" from you kiddos or the kiddo(s) you take care of. You will probably have one or more of these things happen at least a few times before first. The best defense of course is to be prepared with the knowledge that it can happen, and not to "instinctively react" (which is the one of the hardest things for parents and caregivers). Just remember that these behaviors, are not done because the child "wants" to do it. But the good news is - many times these behaviors can usually be minimized in one way or other.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/section_1.pdf
The internal scars are generally hidden quite well. Many parents of kiddos with autism feel they or their children will be treated differently, pitied or looked down on. I've seen this result in parents not wanting to tell anyone that there child is autistic. Feeling embarrassed when their kiddo has a meltdown in the store, or starts doing some type of "stimming" behavior in public.
Many parents (at least initially) will experience guilt, depression or insecurity for having a special needs child. They usually hide this, keeping it secret, suffering in private. (At least until they meet other parents in the same situation). The guilt that they could've caused it - passed it on through their DNA, did something wrong when the kiddo was a baby, missed early signs that they should've noticed sooner. The depression is from feeling sorry for themselves or feeling helpless. Feeling that they can't do anything to directly help their child to do things they should be able to do, that they aren't able to do enough to help them. Pitied or looked down on by other parents, being judged by others around them. Feeling like they are being punished (by God) for something they did.
The logical mind may tell us that it's not our fault that out child has autism. But the emotional side says it is, who else could be responsible. The reality (at least for us) is: God knows what He's doing. That we have been blessed with two beautiful boys who are on the spectrum. They have autism, but autism doesn't have them. They are autistic, but aren't any less than anyone else. Like someone with depression, the right treatment can make a huge difference. For someone who doesn't have use of their legs, the world opens up with a wheelchair.
Let your world open up, don't let the depression, guilt or any other negative emotion close you off to the world that your child needs you to be part of. Easier said than done? I know, I really do. You must realize and accept that your little one has autism. Feel guilty, depressed or any other emotion you need to. Then take a clue from your little one - move on as quickly as you can. It is not your fault. Yes, genetics may have played a part, environmental issues, you cannot change it. So, for the sake of you child, please - get over it.
Like it or not, you are your child's biggest and best advocate. You can open doors, that they are not able to alone.
From a mother's heart - our motto is: learn what you can and share the information. Do your best and realize that your best is good enough. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! God Bless You!
"When you know better you do better." Maya Angelou.
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