How to Care for Someone with Autism

Caring for someone with autism can be a real challenge, since there is no cure, nor any universal treatment program that works consistently for people with this disability. The effects of autism, a bio-neurological disorder that affects one's ability to communicate and interact with others, can be controlled and lessened, however, by following a few important steps.

Things You'll Need

• Medical supervision from a qualified professional, such as a developmental psychologist or psychiatrist
• Nutritional supplements

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Instructions

Care for Someone with Autism

• 1

  Establish a routine and stick with it. An autistic individual will feel safe within a structured environment, and tends to aggressively resist any sort of change. At the same time, however, continually introduce new information to the autistic individual within this familiar framework in order to help them move forward in their development.

• 2

  Use positive reinforcement when you apply behavior modification techniques to reduce aggressive, repetitive or undesirable behaviors. Always reward good behavior, as opposed to punishing bad behavior. The results are more noticeable and long-lasting when positive reinforcement is used.

• 3

  Eliminate wheat, gluten, oats and casein (dairy protein) from the diet, since autism can prevent these foods from being easily broken down, which can inhibit brain function. Make sure a vitamin supplement is used to prevent side effects from these dietary restrictions. Use online resources at the Autism Speaks website for more nutritional guidelines (see Resources below).

• 4

  Use learning aids that use visuals and tactile stimulation, as opposed to verbal or written exercises. Autistic individuals respond more easily to visual cues and pictures, and playing with such materials as water, sand and clay helps them to be more creative.

• 5

  Consider the use of prescription medication, such as stimulants, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs, to reduce undesirable and aggressive behaviors that can sometime occur with autistic individuals.

• 6

  Check out government programs that can assist you in obtaining funds to care for the autistic individual, such as The Helping Hand program offered by the National Autism Association (see Resources below).