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Tips on Helping a Person with Autism

1. Help a person with autism to follow through on what you are saying by using clear, precise language and demonstrating what you mean.

Ø Make sure they are oriented towards you before you interact.

Ø Use appropriate language for the situation and age of individual.

Ø Use gestures & demonstration to assist them in carrying out required actions.

2. Watch for the different ways a person with autism may be trying to show or tell you something.

Some examples are:

Ø They might pull towards something they want.

Ø They might stand beside someone they like

Ø They might stare at something they like or want

Ø They might repeat a question when they want something or want to do something, e.g.:

Ø “You want a cookie?”

Ø “You want a cookie.”

Ø Remember that the person is probably trying hard to communicate in the best way they know how.

3. Demonstrate and describe for a person with autism what to do.

Lots of times they are told what not to do, and this can make them very discouraged. It is helpful to suggest something they could be doing instead.

4. Inform a person when they have done a good job.

If they are playing nicely, helping to set the table, waiting quietly or helping to put things away, then let them know what they did well when they are finished. You might smile and say: "I like the way you sat quietly and waited."

5. Figure out what is rewarding for each person with autism.

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Does the person like music, pickles, slides, TV, spinning around, rides in the car, tickles, ice cream, flapping their hands, playing with sand, lights, shiny things, one of your favourite toys? You might be able to use some of these things to tell the person that they have done a good job.

6. Let a person with autism know when something is about to change.

For example, if you are playing together and the game is going to end or you want to finish the activity then you say, "1 more turn" or "2 more minutes then we have to finish." This might help the person switch from one activity to another. Use visual supports.

7. Remember that a person with autism may respond inappropriately to dangerous situations.

Remember to help them to watch out for dangerous situations, anticipate these and avoid them.

8. Try to understand why a person with autism is doing something.

They may not be able to talk or use pictures or sign language to make other people understand so they might use behavour.

Ø They might throw a toy or game that is too easy or difficult for them to use.

Ø They might push away something they don't want because they are unable to say

"no" at the time.

Ø They might get really angry if they need to have a break.

Ø They might be crabby if they are tired or hungry and you ask them to do something.

Ø They might get scared or upset if they are somewhere that is noisy with lots of

people, different smells, visual distractions, etc., (like a busy shopping mall).

9. Remember that a person with autism is just that…a person. Their autism does not define them.

They have feelings just like you do. They get scared, happy, angry, excited, worried, but it may be harder for them to tell us about it.

The foregoing has been compiled from sources other than Autism Ontario - UCC and is not an official document of Autism Ontario - UCC.

Autism Ontario - Upper Canada Chapter provides access to resources in order to inform you about issues and information related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Unless specifically indicated, we do not endorse any treatment, program, product or services.