Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability caused by differences in the brain. People with Autism often have problems communicating and interacting with others, and can have restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests and sensory sensitivities. Autism can cause result in problems with social skills, behaviour, and learning.
Most people with ASD are diagnosed in childhood, but some people may not be diagnosed until later in life. Autism is more common in boys than girls. There is no cure for autism, but there are ways that can help people manage the symptoms.
Characteristics of a person living with ASD
There is an approximated 1 in 70 Australians diagnosed with autism, which are about 353,000 people! It is a very common disorder so there is no single characteristic that makes people with ASD instantly recognisable. We do know that ASD is 4 times more common in boys than it is in girls.
Cause of Autism
There is no single cause of autism, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for autism, but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms and make the condition more manageable.
With the right support and treatment, people with autism can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
How to Support Autistic Person
To put it briefly, there is no single answer to the question of how to support someone with autism. Each individual on the autism spectrum is unique and will require a different approach. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed in order to provide the best possible support.
Some people with autism may benefit from specific therapies, such as those provided by an occupational therapist or speech therapist. Others may find social skills groups helpful. It is important to work with services who are experienced in working with individuals on the autism spectrum in order to determine what type of intervention would be most beneficial.
1. Ensure Their Routine
In addition to specialized therapies, there are also some general strategies that can be used to support someone with autism. One important thing to keep in mind is that people with autism often prefer routine and predictability. Therefore, it can be helpful to create a daily schedule or visual schedule that can be followed. It is also important to provide clear and concise instructions when giving directions.
2. Be Patient
Another thing to keep in mind when supporting someone with autism is that they may have difficulty understanding and processing emotions. This means that it is important to be patient and avoid getting frustrated. It is also important to use definitive language when communicating with someone with autism.
3. Consider Them A Normal Individual
People with Autism are just that - people. They are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, mothers and fathers. And they want to be recognized as people first and foremost, because that's who they are. Their Autism doesn't define them - it's just a small part of who they are.
When we see people with Autism as people first, it can change everything. We see them as individuals with their own unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s important to see them as someone to be respected and valued, not pitied or feared.
So let's start seeing people with Autism for who they really are - people. Just like everyone else!
4. Autism Awareness
For people on the autism spectrum, everyday activities that many of us take for granted can be a real challenge. Something as simple as going to the supermarket can be overwhelming, with the bright lights, noises and unfamiliar smells. That's why it's so important that we do more to support people with autism. By increasing awareness and understanding, and providing more tailored services, we can make a real difference in the lives of people with autism and their families.
5. Be Thoughtful When You Speak
We all have unique and often bizarre ways of speaking, with slang words, sarcasm and other informal speech, it can be difficult social skill set to master. But it is one that many of us take for granted. For people with Autism, however, navigating the world of sarcasm and slang can be extremely challenging. People with ASD often take things said literally; they can inadvertently miss the point of jokes or even make comments that are unintentionally offensive. That's why it's important to be understanding and respectful when communicating with someone with Autism. By taking the time to explain things clearly and avoiding terms that might be misunderstood, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our friends and loved ones with behaviour.
6. Protect Against Bullying
Parents of younger people living with ASD often find themselves having to explain their child's condition to other people. And, often, they find themselves having to explain it to other parents whose children are bullying theirs. It is understood that it can be hard for Neuro-typical children to understand and interact with those on the Autism spectrum, but that doesn't excuse bullying and bad behaviour!
No child deserves to be bullied, no matter how different they may be. That's why it's so important to take the time to educate children and others about Autism. By teaching people about the condition, we can help to create a more inclusive and understanding world for our children. And that, ultimately, is what we all want.
7. Helping Them Make Friends
While some people view making friends as an easy task, for others, it can be a real challenge. This is especially true for those with autism, who may have difficulty understanding social cues and engaging in small talk. However, there are several things that can be done to help promote friendship and social interactions for people with autism. First, it is important to provide opportunities for socialising, such as joining a club or attending community events. It can also be helpful to teach friendship skills, such as how to start a conversation or how to respond to someone's attempt to initiate one. Finally, it is essential to be patient and understanding when communicating with people with autism. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that everyone has the chance to make friends and enjoy fulfilling social interactions.
Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to support someone with autism. However, by following some general guidelines and working with experienced professionals, it is possible to provide the best possible support for an individual on the spectrum.
If you or a loved one is living with Autism and would like assistance around the home, accessing community events and learning new skills, the team at Femur Connect are very experienced in providing care. Please contact us today!