Here are some tips from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability to help create an environment of acceptance and comfort when interacting or working with those on the Autism spectrum.
- Develop a consistent routine or schedule
- Minimize distractions and clutter
- Create a positive environment
- Provide choices
- Allow for processing time
- Use concrete language
- Name the behavior or action you want, for example: Instead of “Don’t run” say, “walking feet”
- Offer short periods of silence
- Give two minute reminders before transitions to new tasks or activities
- When things get challenging, consider what you can do to change the environment, not the individual
