Helpful Hints for Interactions with Individuals with Autism:

• Use simple language; speak slowly and clearly.
• Use concrete terms and ideas.
• Repeat simple questions; allowing time (10-15 seconds) for a response.
• Proceed slowly and give praise and encouragement.
• Do not attempt to physically stop self-stimulating behavior.
• Remember:  Each individual with autism is unique and may act or react differently.
• Please: Contact a responsible person who is familiar with the individual.

• May be non-verbal or have very limited verbal abilities.
• May appear deaf; may not respond to verbal cues.
• May repeat words or phrases in place of normal communication.
• May have difficulty expressing needs; uses gestures or points.

• May have tantrums-display extreme distress for no apparent reason.
• May exhibit inappropriate laughing or giggling.
• May show no real fear of danger.
• May have little or no eye contact.
• May appear insensitive to pain.
• May be sensitive to touch, sound or bright lights.
• May exhibit self-dtimulating behaviors: hand flapping, finger flicking, body rocking.

• May not understand rights.
• May have difficulty remembering facts or details of offenses.
• May become anxious in new situations.
• May not understand consequences of their actions.

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