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Understand what it's like to live with autism
Being able to provide the right support begins with understanding the individual needs of the person you are supporting, and the condition they are living with.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism, as it's often referred to, is a lifelong condition that impacts the way individuals perceive the world and interact with others.
ASD can be diagnosed as early as 12 months old, with early intervention being key to helping young people lead the most fulfilling and comfortable life possible.
Everyone’s needs are unique and depend on many factors, including where they sit on the autism spectrum and their personalities.
Recognising that not all people living with autism require the same type of support is critical, and is a great first step to being able to better support your loved one specifically.
People living with autism may interpret social situations differently, have unique ways of learning, engage in repetitive behaviours and exhibit individualised ways of communication.
They might experience hard times developing social skills like holding eye contact, have different ways of expressing their emotions, or show intense interest in specific subjects.
Recognising and acknowledging these aspects is a pivotal part of the support process.
While some people living with autism may also live with an intellectual disability or mental health condition, it’s important to remember that these are separate from ASD itself.
Remember it’s all about trying to understand what it’s like to be in your loved ones’ shoes.
You can learn more about what it’s like to live with autism in our recent blog, Living with autism: symptoms, coping strategies, employment and supports. Being able to provide the right support begins with understanding the individual needs of the person you are supporting, and the condition they are living with.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism, as it's often referred to, is a lifelong condition that impacts the way individuals perceive the world and interact with others.
ASD can be diagnosed as early as 12 months old, with early intervention being key to helping young people lead the most fulfilling and comfortable life possible.
Everyone’s needs are unique and depend on many factors, including where they sit on the autism spectrum and their personalities.
Recognising that not all people living with autism require the same type of support is critical, and is a great first step to being able to better support your loved one specifically.
People living with autism may interpret social situations differently, have unique ways of learning, engage in repetitive behaviours and exhibit individualised ways of communication.
They might experience hard times developing social skills like holding eye contact, have different ways of expressing their emotions, or show intense interest in specific subjects.
Recognising and acknowledging these aspects is a pivotal part of the support process.
While some people living with autism may also live with an intellectual disability or mental health condition, it’s important to remember that these are separate from ASD itself.
Remember it’s all about trying to understand what it’s like to be in your loved ones’ shoes.
You can learn more about what it’s like to live with autism in our recent blog, Living with autism: symptoms, coping strategies, employment and supports.
Maintain structure and routine
People living with autism often prefer consistency and routine. Predictable environments and schedules provide a sense of safety and stability.
When you’re spending time with someone living with autism, always strive to fit into their regular routines and structure in their daily lives and environments.
If changes to the routine are inevitable, try to prepare the person for the transition in advance.
Visual schedules can be highly beneficial for this purpose, as they provide a clear expectation of what's to come.
Identify their triggers
Being aware of what triggers discomfort or distress in your loved one is pivotal to helping them experience the world in a way that feels comfortable and safe.
Triggers are often related to sensory sensitivities - certain sounds, lights, or textures might be overwhelming.
When you identify these triggers, you can proactively create more comfortable environments avoiding these things that make them uncomfortable, or prepare them better for unavoidable triggering situations.
Preparing for social events
For someone living with autism, social situations can often present significant challenges.
They may struggle with interpreting social cues or managing the sensory inputs associated with large gatherings.
A helpful strategy to manage this challenge is to prepare them for these events by explaining in advance what will happen.
This could involve describing the venue, the expected attendees, and the agenda for the day.
Such preparation can help reduce anxiety and make the social experience more manageable and enjoyable.
Role-playing possible social interactions can also be a powerful way to help someone living with autism feel more confident and prepared.
Another helpful strategy to keep in mind is devising a plan for when they might feel overwhelmed.
This plan can include identifying a quiet space they can retreat to or using a predetermined signal to indicate that they need support or wish to leave.
By providing these tools, you can empower them to participate in social situations while ensuring they feel safe and supported.
Encourage professional support
While taking the time to understand your loved one and how they experience their condition can play a significant role in supporting them.
Sometimes encouraging someone living with autism to seek professional, individualised support can be the most beneficial help you can offer.
Occupational therapy, for instance, is a critical resource that can be hugely beneficial.
Therapists are trained to help develop and improve daily living and work skills, from fine motor coordination to social interactions and everything in between.
In addition to therapy, Disability Employment Services also offer valuable support in helping people living with autism find and maintain meaningful employment that suits their unique skills and interests.
Encouraging someone living with autism to access professional support services like these, and supporting them along their journey to access this help can open doors to greater independence and an enhanced quality of life.
By taking the time to really understand how someone living with autism processes the world and keeping in mind some of these tips, you’ll be able to help provide a supportive environment where your loved one feels valued, understood, and comfortable in daily life.
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