How to support people with Autism

• Explain at every stage what you are about to do, what will happen next and why.
  
  
• Give the person enough time to understand the information you are sharing and wait a few seconds for a response if it is not
  given immediately.
  
  
• Questions should be clear and direct using language that is easy to understand and pictures where necessary – do not rely on the person to pick up on the meaning of your questions or body language.
  
  
• People with autism might take what you say literally so avoid words with a double meaning and humour that could be
  misunderstood.
  
  
• Maintain a routine – familiarity is often important to some people with autism.
  
  
• Social difficulties may include lack of eye contact and unusual body language, talking at inappropriate moments or about
  inappropriate topics.
  
  
• Repetitive behaviours might be a coping mechanism and therefore should be respected.
  
  
• The environment is important – some people with autism are particularly sensitive to light, movement, sounds, smell and touch.
• Try to keep the immediate environment as calm as possible to help alleviate any anxiety.
  
  
• Always consider the person’s behaviour in terms of his or her autism, even if it becomes challenging.
  
  
• Ask the person and/or parent, carer or advocate what support they might need.

Produced by RCN Publishing in partnership with: BPS, DH, NAS, RCGP, RCN, RCPsych,
Skills for Care, Skills for Health, SCIE, University of Oxford
Adapted with kind permission from a poster provided by the Estia Centre