As Care Workers, we are able to support so many amazing people, but working with Service Users with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is always a real privilege. It’s a chance to really get to know someone, their likes and dislikes, help with triggers and stimming (self-stimulatory) behaviours, and to play a positive role in their lives.
However, much of what those of us who work with children and adults with ASD know, can be helpful to everyone – and we can all do ‘our bit’ to educate others. Here are some useful facts and tips about ASD, which affects more than 1 in 100 people in the UK.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability which can make it hard for those with the disorder to form relationships or express themselves. They may sometimes (but not always) have a learning disability. According to the NHS website, the following traits are common to many with Autism:
- finding it hard to understand how other people think or feel
- finding things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
- getting anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
- taking longer to understand information
- doing or thinking the same things over and over
If, as a Care Worker, you are providing support to someone with ASD, there are some things you can do to help build a positive working relationship during your visits:
Help to accommodate change
We might often have to make a quick assessment of a situation which can cause anxiety for someone with ASD, and it’s at times like this, that knowing them well can help. For example, if a Service User is used to being able to ‘tidy up’ his favourite tins of soup when he goes shopping, restrictions like Covid make can make buying the weekly shop problematic. Managing a situation like this can be easier if you know what the person is likely to respond to positively, and taking time to introduce change, slowly, can help with a transition.
The small details matter!
As there will often be times when a Service User with ASD may have a different Care Worker coming in, no detail is ever too small to note. Anything from a lost or broken favourite item, or the introduction of a new daily activity can be easier for the person to handle when everyone is in the know.
Give people with ASD time to process
As with all of us, someone with ASD might have a lot of things going on in their mind when you speak to them. This is why giving someone plenty of time to process and respond is vital. It can be frustrating to be rushed – and more so, for someone with ASD.
Be methodical and structured with instruction
Someone with ASD or Aspergers is likely to need clarity in instruction, and it can be frustrating for them when they don’t understand what you’re asking of them. Be clear and brief in your instructions or questions, avoiding conversational fillers that can dilute your message or confuse it.
Take things in your stride …
Those who work with, or live with, someone with ASD will know that there will often be challenging occasions! Don’t take offence when something is said that might be considered rude or aggressive. In particular, people with ASD can often find social situations difficult, and your calm approach can help to lower their anxiety and to self-regulate.
Be adaptable
Being able to accommodate the needs of the person, for example, changing approach when something doesn’t work, can enable us to learn more about what works for someone. Being flexible – and sometimes just accepting ‘not today’ – opens up possibilities for a better tomorrow.
It’s not always easy to get things right, but as with any relationship, there’s a little trial and error in there! Find out more about complex behaviours, and … why not share what you know with others? After all, disability awareness starts with each of us 🙂
