Tips for engaging with autistic young people

13 June

Written By Maree Crabbe

Autism is a developmental difference impacting the way individuals process, connect with and experience the world we all share. Because of these differences, autistic young people may need a different kind of support than other young people to navigate life’s challenges.

Q: How should I engage with autistic young people?

Tips for engaging with autistic young people

2: Avoid metaphor, say what you mean and mean what you say. Photo of a White teenage boy being spoken to by an adult. He's smiling and wearing headphones around his neck.

3: Allow time for processing. ‘The 10 second rule is a very useful tool’. Photo of two White parents sat on the couch with their teenage son, talking.

4: Check in with us about our understanding. Ask us to tell you in our own words what you have been discussing. Photo of someone holding another person's hands in theirs.

5: Join us at our point of interest as a way of engaging with us. Learn about the things that matter to us. Use our interests as a starting point to lead into other important conversations. Photo of a young Latina woman being spoken to by her mother

6: Remember the importance of the concept ‘nothing about me without me – do this with me not to me or for me’. Photo of a young White teenage boy being comforted by his mother.

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