WESTBOROUGH,MA April 2, 2018 Today is Autism Awareness Day across America and the World.  Persons living with autism require sensitivity and patience. Here in Massachusetts we are fortunate to have one of the world’s leaders in autistic education at the New England Center for Children in Southborough, MA.  These professionals provide front line behavior planning, education, BCBA training, aquatics, and residential living.

“Autistic people find interacting with others difficult. For example, they may struggle to read facial expressions and be taken by surprise at outbursts of anger or affection.” according to Mark Goodard on the Psychology24 blog first published in 2016. Mark posts 5 poignant suggestions in dealing with those on the Autistic Spectrum.

These include:

1. Avoid changes in plans or routines with first warning a person with autism
2. Take time and explain things clearly to avoid resistance and major meltdown later on.
3. Be patient – expect rigid thinking and someone who can be stubborn and irritable when anxious.
4. Do not rely on body language and facial expressions.  People with autism avoid eye contact and do not pick up social cues.
5. Do not be afraid to set limits and social correction. Autistic children and adults need direction in situations that require social reciprocity.

Goodard, M. (2016) 5 TIPS ON DEALING WITH AN AUTISTIC PERSON. Psychology24. Found at http://www.psychology24.org/5-tips-dealing-autistic-person/. Taken April 2, 2018.