How to Help a Friend with Autism

Front

Your friend with autism seems overwhelmed at a loud event. What should you do?

Back

Encourage them to take a break in a quiet space

Front

Your friend struggles to understand jokes and sarcasm. How can you help?

Back

Explain the joke in a clear way if they seem confused

Front

Your friend finds it hard to join conversations. What’s a good way to include them?

Back

Ask them direct questions about topics they enjoy

Front

Your friend gets anxious with changes in routine. What could you do?

Back

Give them advance notice about any changes

Front

Your friend doesn’t like making eye contact. How should you react?

Back

Accept that eye contact might make them uncomfortable

Front

Your friend enjoys talking about a specific interest a lot. How should you respond?

Back

Listen and show interest in what they enjoy

Front

Your friend finds loud noises overwhelming. How can you support them?

Back

Offer noise-cancelling headphones or suggest moving somewhere quieter

Front

Your friend prefers clear and direct communication. What should you do?

Back

Speak to them in a clear and straightforward way

Front

Your friend is struggling with group activities. How can you help?

Back

Find a way to involve them in a way they feel comfortable.

Front

Your friend feels stressed in crowded places. What’s the best way to help? Options: Ignore them, Tell them to ‘just deal with it’, Offer to stay with them in a quieter area

Back

Offer to stay with them in a quieter area