Episode #39: MP - Supporting Autistic Adults in Conversation

SUPPORTING AUTISTIC ADULTS IN CONVERSATION



If you are a job coach, counselor, parent, or guide of any sort seeking support to motivate someone with autism, this podcast is for you.

Top 4 tips for supporting an autistic adult in conversation:

  1. Allow processing time: when you ask a question, get comfortable with silence. They may not have been given processing time much growing up. They may even have habits (aka masking) to obtain the processing time they need (i.e., saying "I don't know"). After asking a question, wait up to a full minute to allow that processing time.
  2. Narrow the field: reduce the stress of open ended questions by offering more concrete choices but be careful not to narrow it too far to just yes/no questions.
  3. Be predictable: Have a consistent outline for your meetings (i.e., questions you start with each session and ensure consistent times to meet - even as parents)
  4. Allow trust building: It will take time to build trust between you due to the old habits you are both working through. Conversation flow will take time for both of you - over several sessions. And DO NOT talk about the tough stuff till after this phase, please.
  5. Preview: Share your agenda for your conversation as well as the length of time you plan to meet. Ease anxiety about the topics right from the start. Information about what you will talk about even if tough is much easier than the unknown.
I hope these help and that you enjoyed the mini-podcast. For more tips, tools, and understanding, please stay tuned for my soon-to-be released book: Seeing Autism AND check out my website for videos, courses, and more: www.synergyautismcenter.com

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