How can I help my autistic friend?

How can I help my autistic friend?

As we mark National Autism Awareness Month, consider these ways to be a friend to someone with autism:

1. Don’t assume he or she doesn’t value friendship.
2. [Read: An All-Out Assault on Autism.]
3. Be patient.
4. Communicate clearly.
5. [Read: You!
6. Make plans.
7. Respect sensory differences.

How do you reduce attention seeking behavior?

The key to addressing attention-seeking behaviors is simple—avoid giving attention….Some examples of reactive strategies include:

1. Ignore attention-seeking behaviors.
2. Have an alternative consequence, but be consistent.
3. Give positive attention to someone else.
4. Remember, giving a reprimand is still giving attention.

What should I do if my friend has autism?

Stand up for your autistic friend. Bullying, abuse and other types of violence are prevalent in the lives of autistic people – from childhood through adulthood. If you see someone teasing or picking on an autistic peer, take a stand.

Are autistic people highly intelligent people?

I pay attention to the most unusual things, and more than often, people will look at me like I need to be locked up in an institution rather than tell me that it is highly intelligent. Many autistic people are highly intelligent. Some of us even hover at genius level. Einstein may have been autistic, as well as many other highly intelligent people.

Can autistic people have friendships?

Yes, there are communication challenges and trouble with social interactions. But that doesn’t mean friendship isn’t important. “The reality is that autistic people, like neurotypical people, are very diverse in our levels of sociability and desire for friendships,” says Lydia Brown, a junior at Georgetown University who has autism.

Are people with autism intellectually disabled?

“Don’t question or doubt someone’s knowledge of their own body and mental state.” Likewise, don’t assume people with autism are intellectually disabled. Often, they have normal to high IQs and excel in areas such as music and math. [Read: What You Need to Know About Autism.]