In America today, 1 in 91 people are diagnosed with Autism. Chances are, you know someone with the disorder. If not, you probably know someone with a family member/partner/friend living with Autism.
And alot of times, people want to help,but they don't quite know what to do or say.
This article takes a really interesting look at simple ways you can help out a family with Autism. Some are stronger than others, but wanted to repost none the less (For me personally, I would stress 2 the most.)
1.) Let's start with the easiest: On the way to your weekly or daily trip to the grocery store, ask if there is anything you can pick up for their family.
2.) Learn the facts about autism, but don't give advice.
3.) Take the sibling of the child who has special needs out for a special treat.
4. ) Give the parents or single parent a night out.
5.) Okay, you're not good with kids. But you're organized, and like to help others be the same. Offer to help with housework or organize their office.
6.) Bring over a cooked meal.
7.) Ask your high school child to volunteer their time weekly to play with the child who has autism.
Here's the full artictle which expands upon each of these: http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/seven-easy-ways-help-family-diagnosed-autism-90233234#ixzz0yV4rm51M
You are aware, yes, that children with autism grow up to be people with autism?
ReplyDeleteOf course, yes. If you notice, we at Adaptive were not the authors of that article, simply reposted. Most of our audience is teachers of children with Autism or theater artists who know very little about the disorder, so we try to point them in directions of sources (this particular source dealt more with children with the disorder).
ReplyDeleteI myself work mostly with individuals 3-21 with Autism trying to introduce theater into their lives, though I have worked with individuals up to 65 at a previous job.
If you have any resources you enjoy that would shed more light on the lives of adults with Autism, we would be more than happy to repost that as well.
You will also be happy to see that our productions are geared towards individuals of all ages with Autism, which is why we aim not to produce children's shows. In fact, we were the first theater company in the country to stage a Brecht play (dealing with very adult concepts and themes) for this audience.