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How to show support for autism

Dr. Fuentes, a leading autism researcher, published a checklist to help empower people living on the spectrum and educate those who have worked or lived with people with autism. The checklist is evidence-based and titled “How to Support Me.”

Dr. Fuentes says: “We see in our nations a radical evolution in the development of services for people with ASD.” He continued: “We consider them full citizens, who should receive personalized accompaniment within their communities. We must pay attention to their hopes and dreams when planning their future, empower them and their legal representatives to make decisions, and support their search for self-determination, fulfilling relationships, and full inclusion in their quest for quality of life.”

In addition to working closely with the Gipuzkoa Autism Society Board of Spain, where Fuentes acts as a research consultant, he enlisted the help of young adults living with autism to provide feedback on early editions of the document.

These standards help empower patients with autism and their families:

1. Remember that the individual is not “autistic.” They are first, foremost and always an individual, a student, a child; and have autism. Do not confuse the person and the condition. Friends and family should never end in a negative or hurtful way. All children deserve to be respected.

2. Children with autism are not “the same” as others with autism. Make an effort to get to know each person as an individual. Seek to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and personality. Ask them, and their friends and family, if they can’t answer, about their hopes and dreams.

3. Autism patients need services. Services must start early. The diagnosis is -or should be- a public health problem in all countries of the world. There are instruments to monitor it. These tools can be applied in the context of screening for other disabilities. An early start will change lives! About a quarter of the siblings of people with autism will have developmental problems.

4. Children with autism must be included in the health system. The health care system can create access for patients living with the spectrum disorder by reducing wait times and helping patients understand what will happen. Offices can help by using easy-to-read materials, images, and advanced technology to explain procedures. This could also help other patients.

5. Teachers and schools should not separate children with autism. They belong to other children. Separation for special treatment may not be helpful. Children with autism can and should be placed in traditional schools and regular community settings with special support in those settings. Every child has something to teach other children.

6. Children with autism, when possible, should plan for their futures and transitions. Children with autism belong to your family. When necessary, family and friends can speak on behalf of people with autism. Government agencies should not try to replace the family. Families make sacrifices to raise children with autism and deserve recognition for their hard work.

7. Evidence-based services should be provided to people with autism spectrum disorder. These services are often more difficult and time consuming, but are helpful for cognitive and social skills. Medications are not a substitute for education and social services. New medical treatments can be helpful, but you should view them with a certain level of caution. Keep researching, engage children with autism, and make sure their rights are protected so they can help others.

8. Keep people with autism active in society. Involve those on the autism spectrum in professional training so they can have a say. Services provided throughout adulthood must be guided by determination, personal relationships, and activity in community events. The community must make an effort to adapt environments to help meet needs. This will help make our society better.

9. Those on the autism spectrum face discrimination and disrespect for many reasons, including fear and ignorance. Many people with autism live in poverty and are at increased risk of violence and abuse. More community systems need to be put in place to help those at risk, including immigrants on the spectrum.

10. Every child and every person has a role to play in the world. Families dealing with autism want to be involved to help create and shape policy development and evaluation. His motto, “Nothing about me, without me,” should guide leaders in making decisions about treatment and accommodations.