Strategies
These practical strategies can help you support people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Many of these strategies are useful for multiple difficulties, so even without a diagnosis, they can make a real difference.
Colour coded calendars
Instead of giving someone a list of appointments, create a calendar grid and mark each time slot with a different colour. This strategy helps people who struggle with organisation, time management, or reading to quickly understand their schedule visually.
Give extra time to process
This strategy can be implemented in many ways. The key is to give people with processing difficulties more time to understand and respond. Don't rush people or jump in to explain something you just said simply because a person is not responding. They may just need longer to process.
Easy read materials
Easy read documents use simple language and pictures to make information accessible. They break down complex information into short sentences and use images to support understanding.
Visual supports
Visual supports use images, symbols, or diagrams to communicate information. They can help people understand what is expected, what will happen, or how to complete tasks.
Present lists in mindmaps
Mindmaps are a way to break down difficult concepts. Instead of writing a long text, simply draw the key points on a piece of paper and make connections between them. Many dyslexic readers find mindmaps useful as a way of taking notes. They are also very useful when planning to write a complicated text.
Use audio instead of written text
Offer an audio alternative to reading as much as possible. This will increase comprehension greatly for people who struggle with reading.
Avoid sarcasm and banter
You should avoid using banter and irony with someone on the autism spectrum. This may be hard, but it will be even harder to avoid using idioms and metaphors because you may not realise that there's anything special about them. Pay attention over time and you will learn which parts of language are particularly confusing to each individual.
Give clear, short directions
Give instructions one step at a time. Don't bunch up your directions. Check understanding before moving on to the next instruction.
Maintain predictable routine
Keep the environment and routine as predictable as possible. When changes are necessary, give advance notice and explain what will happen.
Ask to repeat instructions
One of the most useless questions you can ask is "Do you understand?" They will probably say "yes" to please you. Instead, check for understanding by asking them to explain or repeat.