Autism is a way some people’s brains work differently. It can affect how they talk, think, and understand the world around them. Sometimes, people use special phrases called idioms to describe things about autism. Idioms are groups of words that have a meaning different from the words alone. They help us share ideas in a fun and interesting way.
In this article, you will learn about idioms related to autism. These idioms can help people understand some feelings and experiences that come with autism. Knowing these phrases can make it easier to talk about autism and how it affects people’s lives. Let’s explore these idioms to better understand and respect everyone.
Idioms for Autism
1. On the spectrum
Meaning: Having autism or being part of the autism group.
Samples: My cousin is on the spectrum and loves to draw. / Being on the spectrum means your brain works in a special way.
To Put it Another Way: He has autism. / She thinks a little differently because she is on the spectrum.
2. Think outside the box
Meaning: To think in a new or different way.
Samples: People with autism often think outside the box when solving problems. / She thought outside the box and made a cool invention.
To Put it Another Way: They find new ideas. / They don’t always follow the usual way.
3. In your own world
Meaning: Being focused on your thoughts or interests and not paying attention to other things.
Samples: Sometimes, he seems in his own world during class. / When she reads books, she’s in her own world.
To Put it Another Way: He is thinking deeply. / She is not paying attention to what is around her.
4. March to the beat of your own drum
Meaning: Doing things your own way, even if others do not.
Samples: People with autism march to the beat of their own drum. / He likes to march to the beat of his own drum when playing games.
To Put it Another Way: They follow their own path. / They do what feels right to them.
5. See things differently
Meaning: To have a unique way of understanding or looking at the world.
Samples: She sees things differently and notices details others miss. / He sees things differently, which helps him in art class.
To Put it Another Way: They have a special view. / They notice things in their own way.
6. Walk in someone else’s shoes
Meaning: To try to understand how someone else feels.
Samples: It’s important to walk in someone else’s shoes before judging them. / We should walk in our friend’s shoes to understand autism better.
To Put it Another Way: Imagine being them. / Try to feel what they feel.
7. Piece of the puzzle
Meaning: A small part of a bigger idea or problem.
Samples: Every person on the team is a piece of the puzzle. / Understanding autism is a piece of the puzzle to help everyone.
To Put it Another Way: A small but important part. / One part of something bigger.
8. Light up the room
Meaning: To make a place feel happy or special by being there.
Samples: When she talks about her interests, she lights up the room. / His smile lights up the room during class.
To Put it Another Way: They make people happy. / They bring joy to others.
9. Break the ice
Meaning: To start talking or making friends more easily.
Samples: He used a joke to break the ice at recess. / She broke the ice by asking to play together.
To Put it Another Way: Start a conversation. / Make friends easier.
10. Quiet as a mouse
Meaning: Very quiet or shy.
Samples: He was quiet as a mouse during the test. / She stays quiet as a mouse when meeting new people.
To Put it Another Way: Very silent. / Not making noise.
11. Big heart
Meaning: Being kind and caring.
Samples: She has a big heart and helps her classmates. / He showed his big heart by sharing toys.
To Put it Another Way: Very kind. / Caring about others.
12. Step outside your comfort zone
Meaning: To try something new that feels a little scary.
Samples: He stepped outside his comfort zone to join the soccer team. / She stepped outside her comfort zone by speaking in front of the class.
To Put it Another Way: Try new things. / Do things that feel hard.
13. Fly under the radar
Meaning: To go unnoticed or not get much attention.
Samples: Sometimes, kids with autism fly under the radar in school. / He flew under the radar because he didn’t talk much.
To Put it Another Way: Not noticed. / Staying quiet and hidden.
14. Put yourself in their shoes
Meaning: To try to understand how someone feels or thinks.
Samples: Put yourself in their shoes to see why they act that way. / It helps to put yourself in their shoes before judging.
To Put it Another Way: Imagine being them. / Think about their feelings.
15. Off the beaten path
Meaning: Doing something in a different or unusual way.
Samples: She likes to take the off the beaten path route in her artwork. / He chooses an off the beaten path way to solve problems.
To Put it Another Way: Different from others. / Not the usual way.
16. See the bigger picture
Meaning: To understand the whole situation, not just small parts.
Samples: Teachers try to see the bigger picture when helping students with autism. / We must see the bigger picture to be kind to everyone.
To Put it Another Way: Understand everything. / Look at all parts.
17. Different strokes for different folks
Meaning: People like or do things in different ways.
Samples: Different strokes for different folks means everyone is unique. / Kids with autism have different ways to learn.
To Put it Another Way: Everyone is different. / People like different things.
18. Have a way with words
Meaning: Being good at talking or explaining.
Samples: She has a way with words when she explains her feelings. / He has a way with words during storytelling.
To Put it Another Way: Good at talking. / Can explain well.
19. At your own pace
Meaning: Doing something as fast or slow as feels right to you.
Samples: He learns at his own pace in reading. / She paints at her own pace and enjoys it.
To Put it Another Way: Go as fast or slow as you want. / Do things in your time.
20. Take it one step at a time
Meaning: To do things slowly and carefully.
Samples: When learning to speak, she took it one step at a time. / He takes his homework one step at a time.
To Put it Another Way: Do small parts slowly. / Move slowly and carefully.
21. A light bulb moment
Meaning: A sudden idea or understanding.
Samples: He had a light bulb moment when he figured out the math problem. / She had a light bulb moment about how to help her friend.
To Put it Another Way: A sudden good idea. / When you understand something suddenly.
22. Color outside the lines
Meaning: To do things in a different or creative way.
Samples: She likes to color outside the lines and make new art. / He thinks outside the box and colors outside the lines.
To Put it Another Way: Be creative. / Do things your own way.
23. Walk on eggshells
Meaning: To be very careful about what you say or do.
Samples: Sometimes, his friends walk on eggshells because he is sensitive. / We try not to upset her and walk on eggshells.
To Put it Another Way: Be very careful. / Watch what you say.
24. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To work harder or do more than expected.
Samples: She goes the extra mile to help her classmates. / He goes the extra mile by practicing every day.
To Put it Another Way: Try extra hard. / Do more than usual.
25. Bend over backward
Meaning: To try very hard to help or please someone.
Samples: Her teacher bends over backward to make learning fun. / They bend over backward to include everyone.
To Put it Another Way: Try very hard to help. / Do a lot to please others.
26. Play it by ear
Meaning: To decide what to do as things happen, without planning.
Samples: Sometimes we play it by ear when plans change. / He plays it by ear during group activities.
To Put it Another Way: Decide as you go. / Not plan everything.
27. Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay positive even when things are hard.
Samples: She keeps her chin up when school is tough. / He keeps his chin up even when he feels nervous.
To Put it Another Way: Stay hopeful. / Don’t give up.
28. Out of the box
Meaning: Thinking in a new or different way.
Samples: He thinks out of the box when solving puzzles. / She gives out of the box ideas in class.
To Put it Another Way: Think differently. / Be creative.
29. Have a knack for
Meaning: To be good at something naturally.
Samples: She has a knack for music and learns quickly. / He has a knack for building things.
To Put it Another Way: Be naturally good at. / Have a talent for.
30. Make waves
Meaning: To do something that gets attention or changes things.
Samples: She made waves by sharing her ideas with the class. / He made waves by being kind to everyone.
To Put it Another Way: Get noticed. / Change things around you.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Autism
Last week at school, Emma felt a little nervous about the class project. She usually marches to the beat of her own drum and likes to work in her own way. When the teacher asked everyone to share their ideas, Emma felt like she was in her own world.
Her friend Jake helped break the ice by telling a funny story. That made Emma smile and light up the room. Even though Emma works at her own pace, she always tries to go the extra mile.
Sometimes, Emma thinks outside the box to solve problems that others find hard. Her teacher says Emma has a big heart because she always helps classmates who need it.
During recess, Emma’s friends remind her to keep her chin up when things get tough. They know she has a knack for making the best out of any situation.
Your Task:
Read the story again and underline or list the 8 idioms you find.
Answer Key
- Marches to the beat of her own drum
- In her own world
- Break the ice
- Light up the room
- At her own pace
- Go the extra mile
- Think outside the box
- Keep her chin up
Conclusion
Idioms are special phrases that help us talk about autism in a clear and easy way. They show how people with autism think, feel, and act differently. Using these idioms helps us understand and respect each person’s unique way of seeing the world. Learning them can make it easier to be kind and patient with others.
