Providing autistic adults with opportunities to engage in different activities will enhance their quality of life, give them a safe space to explore and support the development of essential skills that will be helpful throughout their lives. Options can include recreational activities through to those which may also support communication or social development.
Engaging autistic adults in several activities isn't always an easy process. However, finding out the exact activities for each individual can be hugely transformative to their life experience. If you are thinking about looking for care home jobs for learning disabilities in Southampton and are particularly eager to enhance the lives of autistic adults in your role, here are a few examples of techniques you might need to apply to drive positive outcomes.
Treating Everyone as an Individual
Autistic adults will very often express interests in the same activities that neurotypical people enjoy. Most Importantly, it is critical to recognize that everyone is an individual with their thoughts, opinions, preferences and abilities, and to make concessions accordingly.
There are many ways that certain activities can be adapted to satiate different needs, which is something that should be offered to avoid excluding people unnecessarily. Additionally, it is important to allow individuals to change their minds. So, although they may not verbally express their discomfort or uncertainty, it is vital to carefully observe behaviours to determine whether each activity is providing a positive experience for everyone or whether an alternative activity will be more beneficial.
Offering Visual Supports
Visual supports can help to reduce feelings of anxiety or apprehension whilst ensuring each person has some control over their day. Visual aids can be utilized to create daily schedules. It will ensure individuals know what they will be doing at all times throughout the day. This can help organizational and time management skills, allowing for some level of planning to retain a sense of calm and eliminate uncertainty which can often be distressing.
If there is going to be a change to a person's usual schedule, visual aids can also be used to highlight that a certain activity at a particular time. It will be going to be different. It will allow individuals to prepare for this difference and reducing the risks of taking a person by surprise, which can also be distressing.
Being Sensitive to Sensory Needs and Preferences
Activities can improve some of the symptoms of autism, provided that every individual's needs and preferences are properly considered. For autistic adults who enjoy sensory stimulation like music classes, singing, and art activities can be hugely enriching. For autistic adults with additional sensory sensitivities, more laid back activities like storytelling or card games can be more appropriate.
Even something as simple as slightly smoothing out the lights or minimizing loud noises can make an activity more accessible to more people.
Acknowledging Social Requirements
Similarly, while some autistic adults won't want to engage in a large group of activities, others will thrive in this environment. Group activities give everyone a prominent chance to practice their language and communication skills and interact on a social level. Drama activities are an excellent option here, as are martial arts-based activities.
Some autistic adults may prefer to engage in social activities with fewer people. Board games are an ideal option here or watching a film. Alternatively, there are many solo activities that autistic adults can enjoy, including playing online computer games or reading a book.
Providing Alternatives
Perhaps most importantly, it is vital to provide each person with the chance to choose which activities they want to partake in. Doing so will also help each person to practise self-advocacy, which will ensure their needs are being met.
After all, if a person isn't ultimately interested in the activities they are doing, they won't get any enjoyment or other benefits from participating. So, making each person's experience a positive one is crucial.
Looking for Care Home Jobs for Learning Disabilities in Southampton?
If you are considering a career change or are looking for your next opportunity, searching for care home jobs for learning disabilities in Southampton will put you on the path towards supporting autistic adults and making a real difference in their lives.
Giving back to your community is enormously rewarding and, there are a variety of roles available that will also support your personal development and enrich your own life.