Autism Spectrum Disorders have been around for quite some time, affecting lots of lives across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, one in every hundred children is currently struggling with this condition.
Many people with autism lack the support they need to live better lives. For some, it’s primarily due to the absence of a support network. For others, their loved ones simply don’t know how best to help them.
In this article, we’ll explore effective ways to support individuals with autism. Let’s dive right in.
Autism: What You Need To Know
Autistic individuals, especially kids, are often the object of bullying and stigma in different societies globally. However, it is essential to mention that their condition is not their fault. Being autistic doesn’t mean they have an illness; it just means that their brains function differently from the normal.
People with autism perceive the world a lot differently compared to other people. Because of their cognitive differences, Autism usually makes it challenging for affected people to communicate with others because of reduced social skills.
Be aware that autism is a lifelong condition, and it can’t be “cured” permanently. However, with the proper support, it can be managed. That said, you should know that the manifestations of autism in each affected individual are usually different to an extent. As such, the needs of each person vary.
How To Help and Support Someone With Autism
As mentioned earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting individuals with autism. This is because the support offered needs to be adapted to the particular individual. Some people with autism require minimal support and are able to live independent lives. Meanwhile, others may need a lot more or even intensive support to be able to function.
That said, there are some recommended best practices for helping someone with autism, irrespective of their dependency level. These include the following:
Acceptance, not Change
When you’re looking to support individuals with autism, don’t try to change them. Their differences are a product of a unique neurological makeup, not a willful desire to be different.
So, instead of trying to force change on them, what you should do is accept them for who they are. Also, remember that autistic individuals have different manifestations, so you shouldn’t try to compare them with others, either.
Communicate Patiently
People with autism often have trouble with social interactions, especially when it comes to interacting with others. This is a factor you’ll need to take into consideration when you’re interacting or communicating with them.
You’ll need to use clear and concise language and give them enough time to process your words. You could even try supporting all you’ve said with visual aids. It is important to mention that some autistic individuals are non-verbal, so you might not get a verbal response in return.
However, they do communicate in lots of other ways using non-verbal cues. Always be on the lookout for these gestures as you talk to them.
Educate Yourself
You can’t give your autistic loved ones the support and care they need without educating yourself first. This is because Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a blanket name featuring many components.
As such, there are lots of things to research and learn. Learning more about autism will help you become able to spot signs, symptoms, non-verbal cues, and so on. This will help make sure you can give them the support they need.
Respect
People with autism may have a different approach to thinking about things, but that doesn’t make them unfeeling. Like you, they also have a sense of dignity that should be respected. So when dealing with autistic individuals, treat them with respect, no different than you would treat any other person.
In Summary
Autism manifests in various forms depending on the affected person. So, there is no universal template for providing the necessary support affected individuals need to blossom properly. That said, practices like being patient during communication, self-education, acceptance, etc., go a long way in providing them with the support they need to thrive.