THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

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In this presentation we will look at some practical and easy steps you can take to create an autism friendly environment in your office, shop or home to facilitate better communication.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

As we have seen in the previous presentations sensory stimuli can affect a child or person with autism’s ability to interact with other people.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

So the idea of creating an autism friendly environment should allow the interaction and communication to be of more valuable and effective.

Of course it is not always practical to create a permanent space to cater for people with autism.

AUTISM AWARENESS

But their are some easy steps that can be taken to make the interaction works a little better…

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

So let’s look at some simple steps that can be taken:

AUTISM AWARENESS

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

First it’s important to remember:

AUTISM AWARENESS

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

As we have seen in the previous presentations sensory stimuli can affect a child or person with autism’s ability to interact with other people.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Be specific around time if you can.

For example:
If you give Approx waiting time of 5 minutes then ensure that it’s 5 minutes or less.

It can be difficult for a person or child with autism to wait, particularly if it’s a new or unfamiliar environment and this can increase their anxiety and stress levels.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

If the person with autism is met promptly it may lessen stress levels.

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THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Lets look at:
Sound & Noise

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THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Many people with autism are sensitive to noise and some find it difficult to filter noises.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

So a “Quiet Place or Space” really helps.

Chose a quiet area in your office, shop and home away from other people and noise.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Turn off or remove any items that will create noise or background noise like:

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Shut doors and window to reduce external sound.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Lets look at:

Light

AUTISM AWARENESS

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Another factor that needs to be considered is light:

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

If possible turn off artificial light

Or any other bright lights

Sit the person facing away from direct sunlight

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Lets look at:

Smells

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THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Avoid strong smells such as:

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Look for signs of anxiety or stress throughout the interaction and suggest a break if you feel that the person is becoming overwhelmed by their environment.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

Give the person or child an opportunity to work through their difficulty. This may take a period of time.

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

This may involve some ritualistic behaviours including stimming (self-stimulation), or repetitive movements, sounds or movement of objects.

Thank You.