Supporting an autistic person
Please see below for different ways to support an autistic person.
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Talk to people about what is helpful/unhelpful about having a label/ diagnosis. | Generalise. |
| Find out what people's sensory sensitivities are and try to avoid triggering them (e.g. with volume of voice, background noise, wearing perfumes). |
Forget to ask about other issues for example physical health, sexual health or caring demands. |
| Help people to identify motor difficulties, offer to fill in forms/ refer to other professionals. | Presume your body language is clear enough to convey feedback. |
| Make sure people know that they have the right to turn things down and go at their own pace without getting into trouble or disappointing others. | Use jargon, metaphors, jokes, and sarcasm. |
| Explain your body language and facial expression. | Expect people to read and talk at the same time. |
| Give feedback (respectfully), be clear. | Rush people. |
| Think about the environment. Are there too many people around? Is it too loud?. | |
| Tell people before you meet them if you have changed your appearance (if possible). |