Better concentration
During the interview, some patients feel the need to handle objects or fiddle with something while talking; this behaviour is not only tolerated, but can also help them stay focused. Others readily get up to explore the room, look at shelves or examine pictures hanging on the walls. Here too, this behaviour is entirely acceptable and does not hinder the session in any way.
However, instructions such as ‘Don't do this, don't do that ’ or ‘This is how you have to do it’ are counterproductive with an autistic person.
Abandoning an authoritarian stance
For anyone wishing to accompany and support an autistic person, one point is essential: become aware of your tendency to impose your will or viewpoint, and to lecture. Quickly abandoning this stance — often perceived as traumatising and disturbing — is a decisive step towards appropriate support. This does not mean giving up having opinions; on the contrary, they are necessary for building a constructive exchange.
The real question to ask is: ‘Has the autistic person accepted me into their world?’ If so, they will be able to perceive you and communicate with you; otherwise, you will remain invisible to them, needlessly increasing their stress.
Important: do not touch.
Never touch an AS person: not their hands, shoulder, head or back. Do not use gestures typical of allistic people to compliment them, and do not impose anything on them, verbally or physically. Avoid gestural praise, because you do not know their true level of intelligence and understanding.
Many videos about the ABA method show a succession of errors such as inappropriate touching, the imposition of ideas, physical restraints or pressure applied to the arms.
This is not about training a dog (‘Dog Training’), and you do not spoil an AS child with treats or industrial junk food. This child is particularly sensitive; you could disrupt their metabolism. A specific diet is even recommended.
Source: Paige Layle