admin Many people with autism experience varying degrees of disability, and their care takers may find themselves at a loss as to how to make their loved one’s life easier. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can make your loved one’s life easier in both the short and long term, helping them to live more independently and taking some of the pressure off yourself in the process. Here are five ways you can support individuals with autism in their everyday lives.
1) Help Them Relax
When autism support is required, it’s important to give individuals with autism as much control as possible over their experience. Whether you’re at work or spending time with them at home, help them relax by giving them a little space and letting them do what they enjoy. If they like watching television, encourage that; if they prefer drawing, let them draw.
2) Educate Others Around Them
A number of non-profits and autism support groups organise seminars, workshops, and other CPD training courses. Join your local autism association or other similar group so you can meet people who have personal experience living and working with individuals on the spectrum. Find out what they need, educate others around them, and help them take their next steps toward independent living.
3) Encourage Independence
According to autism specialists, teaching individuals with autism how to cook and develop everyday life skills will help them increase their level of independence. They’ll be able to care for themselves and prepare basic meals, which can help reduce their chances of obesity and diet-related health issues. For people that don’t know where to start, learning disabilities support services can provide customised training programs based on your specific needs.
4) Don’t Label Them
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that each individual has unique needs. It’s important for autism support workers to have an understanding of these differences and know how to address them. One-size-fits-all strategies are not going to work for all children on the spectrum; parents need specialists who are experienced working with people with autism and learning disabilities. That is why it’s vital that carers take time to understand each individual child before considering any specific action plan or intervention.
5) Give Them Space
Everyone has a different way of communicating, so it’s crucial that you understand their needs. If you’re working with an individual with autism, for example, make sure there are no distractions or disturbances; loud noises and lots of people will only aggravate them. You should also be aware of their sensory needs—some individuals have a hypersensitivity to touch or sound while others have problems understanding where they are in relation to their surroundings.
Bottom Line
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how an individual interacts with and experiences the world. Individuals diagnosed on what is called the autism spectrum may face unique challenges. But there are many organisations out there devoted to providing support for individuals on all points of that spectrum. Solutions are essential for individuals living on their own, especially as they age and have difficulty caring for themselves; a supportive system can also help families provide care from a distance, should they need to relocate or be unable to stay at home. Allow Solutions Social Care to provide your loved one who struggles with autism or learning disabilities the tools they need to reach their objectives and enjoy life to the fullest.
