Oftentimes, individuals who are unfamiliar with different disabilities/abilities can be confused as to how they should respond in certain situations. These situations often arise due to a person’s misunderstanding, miscommunication, or unfamiliarity.
Despite being unfamiliar with different interactions and situations, this article will highlight the best ways to adapt and be better prepared to engage and communicate with individuals with ASD.
- Address the Individual as You Would Other Peers
Have you ever been in a situation where someone recognizes that the person they are communicating with does not speak their language? So instead of addressing the language barrier, they instead speak slower and louder, as if the individual is deaf or has slower comprehension. It can be quite maddening to watch this situation play out because the one trying to communicate is using the wrong method to do so.
This same idea is true for individuals with ASD. Just because they communicate differently than you does not mean you need to speak loudly and slowly; you just need to find a different way to communicate your ideas.
This is true for many people. However, the difference in traditional social settings is that an individual who does not understand will often ask follow-up questions, whereas some people on the spectrum may have difficulty adequately asking questions to obtain more information.
This does not mean they are not capable of understanding. It just means you need to re-evaluate the way you are phrasing it.
- Be Patient
A person with ASD can often have difficulty communicating and forming their thoughts into concise sentences. As a result, it can take some time to listen as they connect their thoughts together in order to reach a succinct point. When you are engaging with people on the spectrum, it is important to be patient with these individuals. Don’t cut them off and don’t ignore them. Instead, listen intently.
It can also be beneficial to rephrase what they have said to check for understanding. Sometimes these individuals make connections in their mind that are not verbally made in communication. Try not to get frustrated with the situation, but instead take the time to understand. Often, individuals on the spectrum are overlooked and ignored due to this more difficult communication style. In reality, many of these individuals can add value and different perspectives that a non-divergent mind can miss.
- Be Direct
An important communication tool is to always be direct. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Individuals on the spectrum often take things quite literally. As a parent, this literal interpretation can be frustrating, as people with ASD are smart, and if you don’t phrase a question just right, or cover all your loopholes when giving directions, the person can find ways around communication to accomplish their desires.
- Understand Some of the Strengths and Weaknesses of People with ASD
First, there are many strengths that can be associated with individuals on the spectrum. In fact, many people on the spectrum, if properly encouraged, have the capacity to express some genius level behaviors and understanding.
A perfect example of this can be witnessed in the success of Temple Grandin. When she was placed in the right environment and encouraged, she was able to revolutionize the cattle and meat industry.
A weakness of people with ASD is difficulty reading social and emotional settings. Individuals that struggle with ASD also like repetitive actions, routines, phrases, etc.
To help counteract these weaknesses, many different therapies have been created and adapted to meet the needs of ASD individuals. Among one of the leading therapies is Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA).
Conclusion
Remember, autism is a spectrum. No two individuals are the same, so it is important not to stereotype individuals. When you focus on proper communication, however, you will help to facilitate growth for both you and the individual on the spectrum in whom you are communicating with.
You will soon learn that this patience can be rewarded with deeper understanding and insight, helping to eliminate any awkwardness that you may have previously felt when trying to engage with people with ASD.