How to Support Someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Living as humans in an increasingly interconnected world, it is important for us to understand that people come from all walks of life, and their experiences can be vastly different from ours. We have to make sure that we are adequately trained and ready to interact and understand differences in people around us, in order to produce a more harmonious, loving world. In India, an estimate of more than 2 million people might be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is increasing within the population (Chauhan et al., 2019, 100). Therefore, it is important that we learn to support them and find ways to promote a more inclusive society within our communities.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

In order to support people with autism spectrum disorder, we need to first understand what this disorder is. Autism spectrum disorder is usually presented on a spectrum, and it is difficult to generalize the whole experience of autism to specific characteristics of people. Steven Shore mentions, “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism”, meaning that each person experiences autism differently.

According to the DSM-V, people with autism experience:

• Deficits in social and emotional exchange
• Deficits in gestures, facial expressions, and other nonverbal communication
• Stereotyped behaviors, such as repetitive movements
• Resistance to a change in routine
• Unusually weak or strong responses to stimuli, such as indifference to pain or a panicked reaction to a sound

These symptoms can be expressed in various forms, such as difficulties understanding social uses of language (e.g. sarcasm), difficulty maintaining eye contact and being withdrawn from others. There is no known cause of autism, and people with autism seek therapy to help them communicate and engage in social situations better, using applied behavioral analysis.

With the understanding of what autism is, it is important for us to know how we can care for people with autism. Disruptions to a change in routine affect them to a great extent, and with the onset of COVID-19, it has been even more difficult for children with autism to adapt to a new ‘normal’, which may cause frustration for many caregivers and people with autism alike.

How can I help?

1. Sensory Information

Overwhelming sensory information or cues might cause people with autism to react negatively, as the information might be too difficult for them to process. Make sure to take caution that there are no strong sensory outputs present – e.g. bright lights, loud noises, strong scents and tastes. Recognize potential sensory inputs that may be affecting them, and try to modify these according to their preferences! You could also allow them to use their own headphones to drown out some noise, especially if you know that a place might be too overwhelming for them.

1. Creating Routines

If you live with an autistic person, uncertainty in their day-to-day life may create anxiety. Offering them a routine and ensuring that they can follow it throughout the day can help restore a sense of normalcy in their lives and ensure stability. Individuals on the autism spectrum need reassurance and information about changes, so ensure that you try to value this before making changes in their routine. Autistic people would have experienced a major change in routine, especially with COVID-19, therefore, remember to check in on them and help them create routines to ease their anxieties.

1. Honor their Interests

Some people with autism may have unique interests that are special to them. An autistic child I used to work with would come to me with stories about airplanes every single day. It is important that we listen to these stories and honor them, because it can be motivating to them as well, having someone share and relate to their interests. Do not think that it is unhealthy to imbibe in their ‘obsession’, rather it is empowering for them if you listen to them and understand them.

1. Communicate Clearly

Do not use overly descriptive language as it may confuse an autistic individual. Instead, make your communication clear, direct and as concise as possible. Phrases such as “get it together”, or “cool beans” may not be well-understood by them, so remember to always check for understanding during the conversation as well.

1. Be Patient and Understanding

Remember that no one person with autism is the same as someone else with autism, and therefore, each person’s experience could be vastly different. Therefore, it is always important that we remain understanding of their needs and help them adequately when they ask us for help. It could also be helpful if you read more on autism and do some research to aid them better.

Let’s ensure that we remain sensitive to others’ needs and understand where they come from, especially in these difficult times with the pandemic.