How to Communicate with a Loved One with ASD

Many fail to realize this, but being diagnosed with autism or any type of Developmental Disabilities can feel extremely isolating.

Social interaction is an integral part of human development. But this is something that many people diagnosed with ASD struggle with. Apex Human Services, LLC understands how frustrating this can be for loved ones.

So our Healthcare in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, is here to share a few tips on how to overcome these communication problems. Take a look:

• Address them as you would any other adult. Don’t use baby talk or assume that they have limited cognitive skills.
• Be literal and clear. Try to avoid using jargon, slang, or even sarcasm when you’re communicating with someone in the spectrum.
• Take time. Active listening is vital when interacting with people with ASD. People with ASD can have a hard time communicating their needs, so it’s up to you to make sure they are heard.
• Wait for their response. Sometimes, your loved one will not be able to give you an immediate answer. They may need a few moments to absorb and process your question. So just wait a few more moments.
• Acknowledge their presence. Never act as though they are not in the room with you. Your loved one may process information differently from most people, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t understand what you are saying.

Communicating with a loved one with ASD or any other disorder may sound hard, but it doesn’t have to be. We hope these tips serve you well.

If you are ever in need of Behavioral Health Services in Pennsylvania, feel free to give us a call at 484-469-3787!