How We Can Help
By Mark D. Sachnik
September 13, 1999
INTRODUCTION:
We have made numerous breakthroughs in autism intervention and treatment in recent years. Most of these services are geared to elementary school age individuals or individuals with pronounced autism related issues. There are a number of individuals that have managed to overcome their disabilities enough to be able to succeed in school and hold down competitive employment. Unfortunately, these individuals process their native language like it is a second language. The same thing holds true in the way they interact with society in general. In some ways, it is like being a foreigner in your own land. There are ways parents, teachers, and close friends can help the individual with autism better "assimilate" into society.
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Recognize that the individual is not "slow" or "retarded". It is common for high functioning individuals with autism to have above average intelligence. The challenge is that the individual processes his/her native language like a second language.
2. As a result of the person's "processing problems", he/she is often unable to understand some of the subtle rules of society. This often leads to inappropriate behavior. The parent or mentor should point out the behavior and ways to correct it. KEEP IN MIND HOWEVER THAT THE PERSON HAS ENDURED A DISAPPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF CRUEL JOKES, BULLYING, AND OTHER FORMS OF REJECTION for what he/she assumes is for no apparent reason.
3. VERY IMPORTANT!! For an individual with autism to be able to succeed in high school and college without needing more than minimal special education or to be able to hold down competitive employment, he/she has already achieved quite a bit in their lifetime. It is VERY IMPORTANT for the parent or trusted mentor to reinforce them and show them ways to build on their achievements.
4. The individual with autism just like everyone else will experience numerous failures and disappointments throughout their lifetime. Sometimes, individuals with autism will assume they failed or had something go wrong because of their disability. (I have caught myself in that trap way too many times and have often used autism as an excuse for falling short or not trying.) IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR THE PARENT OR TRUSTED "MENTOR" TO REMIND THAT PERSON THAT DISAPPOINTMENT AND FAILURE HAPPENS TO EVERYONE. THEY MUST ALSO STRESS UPON THE INDIVIDUAL THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING FROM DISAPPOINTMENT AND TO MOVE FORWARD.
5. The individual with autism will often demonstrate a very strong interest in certain subjects. (Anything related to mechanical objects or natural sciences seem to be popular subjects among adults with autism I have met.) Often, the individual will not know the best way to follow up on their interests. It is a good idea to suggest a hobby and provide resources and information to get the person started. Often, just making a suggestion will get a person started. (My mother and I were at a specialty store about 15 years ago. She knew I loved trains and did not have enough space to set up my model railroad like I did in New Orleans. She suggested that I buy a good camera, take a few photography lessons, and go to areas where trains run and take pictures). This suggestion marked my "rise" as the family's camera bug. I now have a huge collection of photos of trains, old houses, town squares, landmark trees, rock formations, and family activities.
6. Encourage goal setting. This goes hand and hand with building on past achievement and learning to get past disappointments.
7. Get the individual involved in community and church activities. That is probably the best way for anyone to meet new people. Many times, just knowing that people are participating in similar activities have eased some of my anxieties.
8. There are times the individual may need your help in meeting and interacting with new people. Use your gut instinct on this. Keep in mind that there will be a time the person will have to learn to stand on his/her own two feet.
9. Encourage participation in appropriate physical activities. I recommend sports like swimming, running, cycling, weight training, and some forms of martial arts. (I found that cycling is an excellent way for me to work off my frustrations and keep fit. Also, it is a wonderful way to go out, meet people, and see the world. I also found that setting and meeting personal goals in both cycling and weight training has done wonders for my self-esteem.) Although I was pretty good at football, a person with autism will often have difficulty in team sports because of his/her communication difficulties. Utilizing an appropriate coach or trainer is highly recommended.
10. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Reinforce the concept that the high functioning person with autism like everyone else is a manifestation of the grace of God. He/she would have never achieved whet they have if it wasn't for his blessings. The same holds true for parents, siblings, and close friends that continue to help that person strive for a better life for him/herself and others.
CLOSING:
These recommendations are based on some of the things my parents, siblings, close friends, and the folks at ASCC have done to help me successfully deal with life as an individual with autism. The appropriate strategies depend on the needs of the individual and his/her parents and friends. These strategies are not intended to replace any programs and therapies in place.
Mark D. Sachnik
1st Vice Prestident
Autism Society of Collin County
An individual with autism
e-mail me at: sachnik@utdallas.edu.