Individualised Support is key
Support strategies really depend on the challenges the person is experiencing.
Everyone is different, so a strategy that works for one person may not necessarily work in the same way for another. This is why we call it ‘Individualised Support’. When considering strategies, it’s important to remember that many people with Autism are:
Visual learners
Visual information lasts longer and is more concrete than spoken and heard information.
Literal thinkers
Literal means exactly what is said—the surface meaning. People with Autism tend to respond well when expectations or instructions are explicitly stated. Figurative is where people use language to create additional, or hidden, meanings—the deeper meaning. People with Autism often have trouble understanding idioms and ‘reading between the lines’ or pinpointing the ‘hidden rules’ in social situations.
More at ease when they know what will happen next
Consistency and predictability can help to reduce anxiety. Routines can be powerful in supporting a feeling of wellbeing and stability as they bring a sense of order and ‘sameness’ to a seemingly chaotic, ever-changing and sensation-driven world.