Proclamation Signing on April 1st at the Governor's Office for Autism Awareness Month

Thursday, February 11, 2010

TIPS AND HINTS FOR INTERACTING WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS AUTISM

People on the autism spectrum may:

* not understand what you say
* appear deaf
* be unable to speak or speak with difficulty
* engage in repetitive behaviors
* act upset for no apparent reason
* appear insensitive to pain
* appear anxious or nervous
* dart away from you unexpectedly
* engage in self- stimulating behaviors (i.e., hand flapping or rocking)

Helpful hints for interacting with someone who has autism:

* Speak slowly and use simple language
* Use concrete terms
* Repeat simple questions
* Allow time for responses
* Give lots of praise
* Do not attempt to physically block self-stimulating behavior
* Remember that each individual with autism is unique and may act differently than others

Source: Autism Society of America