Special Needs

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN INTERACTING WITH SOMEONE WITH AUTISM

Communication difficulties are common. They have difficulty reading social cues and body language. Be patient and understanding. Those on the spectrum tend to take things literally and often have trouble reading between the lines. Everything someone with autism does is a form of communication.

Don’t get offended. People with autism tend to be frank, honest and matter-of-fact. They don’t intend to offend you.

Don’t expect eye contact. Someone on the spectrum might be able to force eye contact, but it might not be comfortable for them.

Don’t touch someone with autism without warning and possibly permission, unless you know that this person is OK with touch. It can scare or upset some people on the spectrum.

Don’t assume that someone with autism lacks empathy or emotion. People with autism can be very loving and caring and sometimes are unable to show their emotions.

Some people with autism have echolalia. Echolalia is the repetition of phrases, words or parts of words.

People with autism can be very visual. Show them how to do something rather than simply telling them. Be prepared to repeat several times.

There is a good chance that you or someone close to you has a grandchild or loved one affected by autism.

Whether it’s a grandchild or someone else, with a few key tips you can successfully and lovingly interact with someone on the autism spectrum, no matter their age.

Every person living with autism is different. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. Some people are verbal and able to take care of daily living skills but have social challenges. Others might be nonverbal but very social.

Some with autism might exhibit repetitive behaviors, intense interests or “stimming.” For example, some individuals with autism might enjoy affectionate behavior while others shy away from it.

It is not easy for parents to realize that their children have profound disabilities or mental illness.

They face the fact that their children will continue to need care and support for the rest of their lives.

It seems logical and understandable that parents will take over for their disabled child when they become adults. However, those rights are not granted to them by a mere fact of their child’s mental illness or profound disabilities.

When a child turns 18 and becomes an adult, parents lose all legal rights to act on behalf of the child, even if that adult child is not competent to act on his own behalf. That exclusion extends to medical records, a crucial point when an adult child receives complex medical treatment for physical or psychological issues.

It is important in this situation for parents to be prepared to take legal measures in a timely manner to protect their adult child’s interests and to ensure his well-being and proper care.

GETTING STARTED The first and most important step in this situation is to obtain guardianship over the adult child. There are two types of guardianships: of person and of estate. Often, the adult child does not have any assets, and the parents only need to obtain guardianship of person.

To become a guardian, the parent must file an application with the probate court of the county where the adult child resides. The court investigates each case and reviews doctors’ statements before a judge or court official makes a decision to appoint a guardian.

After the parent is appointed legal guardian of an adult child, the parent has the right to act on behalf of the child and has authority to access the child’s legal and medical records.

However, as soon as the parent becomes the guardian of person and of estate of an adult child, the parent assumes new duties and responsibilities.