•°☆Book of Advice☆°•

How to make communicating with people who have autism easier

Please keep in mind that everyone is different and these may not all work for certain people

Be patient while having a conversation, giving the person time to answer

Don't rush them to talk, be patient and wait for them


Learn about their favorite interests, games or hobbies and try to find common ones

If you have a friend who has autism it may be helpful to learn about things they are interested in, this will help them be able to start more conversations with you

Routines

Routines bring a lot of autistic people comfort. When they are constantly trying to process information which is almost incompatible with their brains, they need consistency. To know what is going to happen exactly when and be able to predict the next steps. This can help them feel calmer and help them to navigate their day. So if you know someone with autism try and find out what routines they have

Stimming

This is any kind of repetitive action - it could be flapping, rocking, singing the same words, fidgeting etc. Even twiddling hair is stimming. For autistic people, these actions can help reduce anxiety or manage sensory overload/overwhelm. Stimming isn't only to manage negative emotions. It can also just be a way our bodies move when they are excited or happy. So if you are talking to them and they start stimming just let them as it may be helping them

Be specific

You need to make it easy for them to understand, for example, instead of saying 'don't run around the room' say something like 'instead of running could you please walk around the room' or if you are praising them instead of saying something like 'good job' say something like 'you did good when you....'

Environment

Make sure they are in an environment they feel safe and comfortable in, this may make it easier for them to talk to you without getting stressed

Overstimulation

When overstimulated an autistic person may use different self soothing strategies including leaving the room or area to avoid a meltdown or shutdown. Or they may just have a difficult time focusing and doing their best. Make sure if they are overstimulated you let them take the time they need to calm down and feel comfortable again


Remember everyone is different, so make sure you know what overwhelms them and what may stress them out, make sure to know what they do to calm down aswell