Tips for Living With an Adult With Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a type of intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) in which the person faces challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and verbal and nonverbal communication. It is one of the most highlighted I/DDs that parents know about today, and fortunately, the social stigma on autism is lessening.

However, living with someone on the autism spectrum can be confusing for some. While parents commonly deal with raising a child on the spectrum, there aren’t many people who discuss its impacts during adulthood. Here are some tips for living with an adult with autism to help family members and caregivers.

Treat Them as Adults

One of the most important ways to respect and communicate with someone on the autism spectrum is to treat them like adults. Whether intentionally or not, many people may patronize, condescend, or use a childish tone to talk down to people with autism. Someone on the autism spectrum may or may not have cognitive impairments, but that still doesn’t mean they deserve condescension. You may even want to avoid terms of endearment, as this might upset or offend the person you’re talking to. Even forced positive feedback can come across as fake or unflattering and upset whoever you’re talking to.

Respect Their Independence

Respecting the independence of someone on the autism spectrum depends on their abilities. Some people with autism exhibit few signs that they’re on the spectrum at all. Others might be completely reliant on a caregiver for support. If the adult with autism in your home is able to take on more responsibilities, it’s healthy for you to respect their independence.

In fact, promoting independence in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities helps develop crucial life skills, such as cooking, dressing, remembering safety, and practicing personal hygiene. It’s also important to remember that this is a process. Change does not happen overnight, and it might take some time to establish healthy independence with your family member with autism.

Consider the Situation

With that said, another important tip for living with an adult with autism is to consider the situation. No one said that being a caregiver to someone with intellectual or cognitive disabilities is easy, but it’s important. This is why it’s essential for you to stay calm and be prepared for any situation. During times where your loved one might feel upset or panicked, calm them down and ease their tension. Discuss unfamiliar situations with them to avoid panic and help strengthen social skills. If stress or anxiety does ensue, try to calm them down with gentle tones and quiet mannerisms. They’ll calm down eventually, and you can gently explain proper behavioral patterns to follow in the future.