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- Explain it every stage what you are about to do, what will happen next and why.
- Allow enough time for the person to understand the information you are sharing and wait a few seconds for a response if it is not given immediately.
- Be clear and direct, using language that is easy to understand and pictures where necessary— do not rely on the person to pick up on the meaning of your questions or body language.
- Ask the person and/or parent, caregiver, or advocate what support they might need.
- Maintain a routine— familiarity is often important to some people with autism.
- Repetitive behaviors might be a coping mechanism and therefore should be respected.
- Social difficulties may include lack of eye contact and unusual body language, talking at inappropriate moments or about inappropriate topics.
- Some people with autism are particularly sensitive to light, movement, sounds, smell and touch. Keep the immediate environment as calm as possible to help alleviate any anxiety.
- Consider the person’s behavior in terms of his or her autism, even if it becomes challenging.
- Avoid words with a double meaning and humor that could be misunderstood.
