How can we support autistic Teens that are misunderstood at home
Autistic persons may be struggling at home , schools or even in their day to day relationship leaving them misunderstood, abandoned, distanced from , and like that are not be well fend for psychologically and emotionally . And they may also find it difficult or struggle to express themselves .
Ways and methods we can make autistic people feel more heard , loved and even accepted for especially when home doesn't feel like that to them
Please let's share helpful experiences and advices 💙🤍
Thanks and I will be here
@HelenListens
Patience.
Kindness.
Flexibility.
Routine.
Learning about their interests
Trialing different methods until you find something that works for them 💛
Ok ...now am more enlightened
Thanks
@HelenListens I used to support autistic people while I was able to take many member chats. They didn't talk, even though you said you were willing to hear or say some kind words for them. I think I treated them like a neighbor I've met and was authentic.
most times they can be like that but I have tried more of the things that @Amanda said and I can say it works
especially patience and also I think telling them to be themselves that you are here and you listen always help also
@HelenListens I hope you get more helpful insights here 🥰 Sending you lots of love ❤️❤️❤️
@HelenListens
As an autistic person with an autistic son, I can give a few hints!
* Ask questions! Some autistic people can't pick up on social cues easily so try asking lots of questions. They may not engage back by asking questions, but they may feel easier answering them. One of the best things you can ask are "what are the biggest things you like or are into?" We all LOVE to talk about our hyperfixations! My son doesn't talk much but if you ask him about graphic design and anime he'll talk forever.
* As other said, patience and routine. If you say you are going to meet them at Tuesday at 2pm, you better be there! :) Also, with this routine stuff you can set easy boundaries for when they can contact you. "I'm available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12-4" they'll more than likely remember.
* Again remember autistic people may have social cue challenges. They may be blunt, very honest or overshare. Please be patient if they aren't breaking any guidelines - some people just don't know they're doing it. *raises hand* Been there...
* If they tell you they are having a meltdown or about to, this is not a crisis situation, but please first ask them if they are in danger of hurting themselves. If they say no, calmly talk to them about what is causing the meltdown and how can you help them at that moment. A meltdown is an explosion of overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Ask them if they have anything they can pick up and play with, or anything they can smell. That can help ground them.
I hope some of this helps!
wow thanks so much @Tovacares76 I really appreciate
And I must say this is really insightful and am more enlightened now ...Thanks 💙🤍
And I will make sure I put it in practice
Every autistic person is going to be a little different, sometimes to the point of incompatibility.
Some people need a lot of help understanding...just about most things going on in their lives. Others will get offended if you try to give that level of help because it makes them feel like you think they're...not very functional, let's word it like that for now 😅.
Point is, there's no master key to cater for every autist.