Understanding Autistic Behaviour and Communication

We are convinced of the fact that we begin to know through language. We adopt identity-first language (e.g. autistic person) because this is how a big number of people within the community would also like to identify. However, we appreciate that not all people prefer the same things, and we do not assume to know how the individual is to identify themselves.

The guide collects valuable experiences on understanding the behaviour and communication of autistic individuals and allows families, carers, and support workers to be more comprehensive in their approach to communication and experience every incident with empathy and understanding. In both cases, when it comes to a loved one or NDIS participants, the more we know, the more we can do.

Autism Is a Spectrum, and Every Person Is Different

Autism is not generic. It is a tapestry condition, and this implies that each autistic individual is unique. They might have some similar traits, yet their way of thinking, expressing, and perceiving the world may be quite different.

When learning, processing emotions or engaging in relationships, autistic people can understand, communicate, or the way they do it may seem unfamiliar, yet it is not something in need of being fixed.

There are five primary areas of autism functioning:

• Language: (verbal and non-verbal expression)
• Motor skills (such as physical control and coordination)
• Sensory processing (reactions to light, sound, touch and smell)
• Perception (the interpretation of the world)
• Executive function (organisation, planning, sequencing)

The profile of every individual is different. Others can possess very good memory or music skills yet fail to adhere to a timing plan. Some can excel at visual learning and fail at social cues. Talents and weaknesses do not always reside in different people.

In the words of one professional; someone can be the most brilliant violinist and yet disorganised when it comes to keeping an appointment diary. This contrast is fundamental in order to provide empathetic assistance.

Behaviour Is a Form of Communication

Words are not the only thing that allows autistic communication. It is actually not uncommon to find that it contains more subtle non-verbal behaviour, such as gestures, facial expression or action. A misunderstanding may result in frustration between the sides.

People with Autism can communicate using:

• Echolalia (repeating words or phrases)
• Withdrawing or refusing the social environments
• Overwhelm and strong reactions (meltdowns)
• Demonstrating some level of an uncomfortable nature in noisy or crowded areas

It is important to get past labels such as difficult, challenging, and, instead, focusing on what the behaviour is trying to communicate.

According to a famous autistic activist Paul Micallef, the erroneous position of autistic individuals is quite known, and they cannot understand how to explain, meaning it requires the patience of other people to narrow that divide.

The words also are sometimes the least important element in the message, sometimes a gesture, sometimes the pause, sometimes the change of tone. Communication can be affected not only by touch, smell and sound, but also by the presence of other people.

That is why it helps understand behaviour as a piece of a more general statement, and not an interruption, but a code.

Observation, Empathy, and Listening Go a Long Way

When we know the causes of behaviours, empathy is increased. As an example, echolalia could be an emotion processing activity or one used to connect. Physical behaviors may be signs of fear, worry and stimulation.

Similarly there could be social fatigue or a sense of being alienated, not disinterest, in moving out or closing down.

A tantrum/meltdown is one of the common mistakes that people make. Meltdowns are involuntary responses to an overload whereas tantrums are triggered by a desire, such as a wish to get a toy. Being aware of the difference prevents judgement and supports more efficiently.

What then can be done in the moment?

• Stop before acting. Make some observations.
• Enquire as opposed to presuppose. You may ask yourself what feeling or need may be associated with the behaviour.
• Create space. In some instances the greatest helping hand is to allow time to self-soothe.
• Validate feelings. Admit what could be happening to the individual.

Listening to them by paying attention and being in the moment makes autistic people feel safe, understood, and appreciated.

Helping Autistic Individuals Understand Themselves

To be able to make an individual understand their own feelings and experiences is one of the most important things you can do to somebody.

This may imply:

• Applying visuals in making children explain their feelings
• Speaking freely on sensory overloads
• Giving a consolation when one is non-verbal or angry

It is not about pacifying a person. It is more of getting them to learn what is going on within them, so that they can one day share it in their own way.

As autistic individuals are assisted to explore and realize their feelings, they are strengthened to express their needs. It also translates to better bonds, due to the establishment of mutual dialogue.

Inclusion, Identity, and Feeling Connected

The wellbeing of an autistic person depend on a positive sense of identity to a great extent. The sense of belonging to the autistic community both on the Internet and/or in a support group or in peer group can improve esteem and rest anxiety.

Once a person comes to the understanding that they are not bad or flawed, but they are just a different kind of wire, there is the window to confidence and acceptance.

The first one is inclusion. To actually feel like being somewhere and not being there only physically.

Inclusion means:

• The recognition of the strengths of the autistics
• Making room to new forms of communication
• Promoting social engagement in an unsolicited way
• Not prioritizing challenging behaviours 

Such assistance makes people more resilient, as well as families and communities. It reminds all people that diversity belongs.

Relationships Matter

People can transform everything through constructive relationships. As autistic individuals experience acceptance by other people who find themselves in their circle, carers, family or friends, or support workers, they feel more assertive, make improved decision-making, and feel emotionally secure.

This type of connection is not easy, though. It takes empathy, patience and ability to meet individuals where it is.

As an autistic advocate says it is, we want to be included. We desire connection just as everybody does. It only comes when people do not understand us, yet it is not always easy to locate that.

We can make that inclusion easier by exercising the desire to understand rather than assuming.

Support Network: Here When You Need Us

We realize that each autistic individual is a special individual. A blanket and one-fits all approach are not used. Our supports are person-specific, be it the daily assistance, the therapeutic approaches, or the development of interaction gadgets.

It is our role to listen to you, advise and accompany you.

To get to know more about autism, you may use our Autism Topic Library or contact our team in order to get suitable support. By working together we could build better, more inclusive towns and villages where no one would be unseen or unheard or disrespected.