Find out How YOU Can Become More Autism Friendly

A GUIDE TO BEING AUTISM FRIENDLY IN YOUR COMMUNITY AsYouCan

you can booklet .indd 1 25/03/2015 23:26:28 you can booklet .indd 2 25/03/2015 23:26:28 Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to pick up our “AsYouCan” handbooks, which have been released in time for World Autism Awareness Day and Month in April 2015.

I feel this campaign is of paramount importance to people with Autism. Everyday people with Autism work hard to adapt to the society they live in and, in the process, must learn behaviours and alternative ways of doing things in their day to day life. This is an important process for people with Autism to engage in, however when was the last time we questioned if society should ever adapt to those with Autism?

Autism is a condition which affects a considerable proportion of the Irish population, affecting 1 in 100 citizens, not to mention their family, friends and professional supporters. When we hear the word Autism or hear of the challenges people with Autism face we, quite rightly, begin to question the lack of supports provided by government, by educators and by healthcare professionals. People with Autism certainly need a lot more in terms of provision, support and research, however people with Autism are, first and foremost, just that - “people”.

People who have to go shopping. People who might wish to enjoy a meal in a restaurant or stay in a hotel. People who want to gain meaningful employment and use accessible public services. People who want dignity and full participation in Irish life.

This can never be achieved if society continues to see Autism as a problem for “others”. We cannot legislate or even purchase inclusion in every aspect of society – we need action from citizens, based on meeting people with Autism half way and considering our own behaviour and actions.

When we use terms like “becoming Autism friendly” or “being inclusive” this can sound daunting. We are not suggesting that the local retailer or employer needs to sit up all night reading books on Autism! We are simply asking every individual, sector and organisation, to take the time to pick up these short guides and do even 1 thing to be more Autism friendly. I think you will find as you flick through the pages of this booklet, that small changes and considerations can make an enormous difference to families affected by Autism.

you can booklet .indd 3 25/03/2015 23:26:29 There is some duplication throughout the documents as similar challenges for people with autism exist in different environments.

Now, we do not want your charity. This isn’t about charity. If 1 in 100 people have Autism, that is 1 in 100 potential customers, employees, service-users, family and friends. Being Autism friendly is not just something you do for people with Autism, it is something you do because it makes sense for your business, for your service and for your life.

I hope you enjoy reading these booklets and that you will consider joining us on our journey for inclusion this World Autism Awareness Month, and indeed beyond.

Remember, as Henry Ford reminds us, by working together we can change the world.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

By making small changes, together, we can change the world not just for those with Autism, but for our society as a whole.

Best wishes, Adam Harris Founder-Director & CEO – AsIAm.ie

you can booklet .indd 4 25/03/2015 23:26:29 Table of Contents

AsYouCan – Introduction to Autism 1

AsYouCan – Retailers 9

AsYouCan – Healthcare 17

AsYouCan – Emergency Services 23

AsYouCan – Restaurants and Bars 28

AsYouCan – Teams and Clubs 34

AsYouCan – Hospitality 41

AsYouCan – Public Transport 48

AsYouCan – Entertainment Venues 55

you can booklet .indd 1 25/03/2015 23:26:31 AsYouCan – Introduction to Autism

What is Autism?

When we say the word “Autism” many people will instantly think of “Special Needs” or “Disability” in general without ever really learning what autism is or understand what it is not.

Autism is, in and of itself, neither a physical or intellectual disability. It is a developmental disorder which means that people with autism develop differently, particularly in the areas of communication, interaction and sensory processing.

These differences can manifest themselves in a wide variety of traits, challenges and abilities.

We talk about autism as a “spectrum” because no two people are affected by the condition in exactly the same way, as they are affected to varying degrees, in varying ways. We sometimes hear people with autism, referred to having “Aspergers Syndrome”, “PDD- NOS”, “Social Communication Disorder” or other such labels, these are “forms” of autism or may describe a section of people on the Autism Spectrum, we will use the term “autism” throughout these documents to explain the spectrum as a whole.

We do not fully know what causes autism. It is a lifelong condition which individuals are born with. We know that it is a condition which can run through family lines and that approximately 1 in 100 of the Irish population are affected by the condition, with significantly more males affected than females. We also know many people with autism also have other additional needs such as an intellectual disability, dyslexia, dyspraxia or epilepsy.

you can booklet .indd 1 25/03/2015 23:26:32 Autism is an “invisible condition” in other words people with it do not look any different to the rest of the population. This can present challenges both in terms of diagnosing the condition and how people with it are treated by society. The general public can be quick to label people and cast assumptions based on an individual’s behaviour. We like to use the analogy of outer space, when explaining autism to people:

“Imagine if you were put in a rocket tomorrow and flew into outer space, landing sometime later on a planet, unknown to you, inhabited by an alien population.

You wouldn’t know the local rules, laws or customs. You wouldn’t know how to engage or find common ground with the alien population. You would struggle to cope in day to day circumstances in alien schools, workplaces and the alien social scene.

In order to cope, you try to observe and rationalise how the aliens behave. You look at situations, which cannot necessarily be easily defined, and yet you try and define them as “black” or “white” in an effort to comprehend what is going on around you and how to negotiate your way around it.

You construct a routine to try and stop anything which moves you outside this safe zone, you struggle to keep your cool around the local smells, textures and noises. Feeling so different, alone and afraid, you feel anxious and may even withdraw or opt out of socialising. Instead you might become used to your own company, you might develop fascinations or obsessions with specific subjects or find you are constantly amused by your own thoughts, sometimes becoming hyperactive and struggling with concentration.”

With this in mind is vital that we all learn a little about autism, and consider our own experiences so that we can adapt for and support those living with Autism in our society.

Autism – Mythbusters

As society currently does not understand Autism in a very concrete way, it is very easy for rumour and untruths to fill the information vacuum.

Below are some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding autism:

you can booklet .indd 2 25/03/2015 23:26:36 Autism is caused by …. If you put the word “autism” into a search engine, you will find no shortage of claims to what is the cause, some may be serious research projects while many more will be ludicrous suggestions, with no grounding in science, such as “over-protective or under- attentive parents”. While there are many theories, the prevailing theories all recognise that autism is not induced by the behaviours of others but has a biological basis of either genetics or environmental factors or a mixture of the two.

You can “get” Autism People who do not have autism sometimes presume this is a condition you can develop or pick up from other people! It is not something you can develop in life, it is a lifelong condition which you are born with, nor is it something which you can “catch” from being around people with autism

People with Autism can be “cured”… People with this condition cannot be “cured”. They can be provided with many therapies, interventions and supports. These are aimed at helping the person to learn to communicate, to cope with their surroundings and to learn necessary living and social skills to help them integrate as far as possible in their daily lives.

Many people with autism learn to overcome or manage some challenges and live productive, happy lives, fulfilling their personal potential, however autism is not something which goes away. There are many people who claim they can “cure” the condition but this has no scientific grounding.

Autism is an intellectual disability … It is not, in and of itself, an intellectual disability. Some people with the condition, may also have an intellectual disability, however it is important not to presume a person has an intellectual disability just because they communicate, think or behave in a different manner to you or others.

All people with Autism are geniuses … Likewise, not all people with autism are geniuses. Indeed, it is a relatively small percent- age of those with the condition who have “savant” skills in a certain area or field. Just as in the general population, people with autism have different abilities and skills. Regardless of their intellect, some have skills in which they excel or display a particular talent for.

you can booklet .indd 3 25/03/2015 23:26:38 Children with Autism are just “bold children” / This guy is weird / He is just difficult…. The above are all variations of the same mistruth. We live in a very judgemental society where it is easy to look at someone who behaves differently and come to negative conclusions. Never judge someone until you have walked in their shoes, families and individuals with Autism often feel isolated as people cast judgements on certain behaviours. Thic can be because they cannot physically “see” a disability or feel they can question the reality of a condition in which they have no expertise

Key Challenges faced by people with Autism in day to day life

Communication

People on the autism spectrum vary greatly in their communication abilities and skills. There are those whose language skills are exceptional to the point of sounding aloof and even abrupt, to those with little or no verbal skills and everything in between. Communication is not just about speech. People with autism may have an impaired ability to understand language and abstract phrases. Many will take a literal understanding of what is said. They may require a little longer than most to process an instruction or question. At times of stress their communication skills can be compromised.

Socialising

Socialising or interacting with other people can pose a challenge for people with autism. Many with the condition experience social anxiety finding day to day social situations highly challenging and stressful. In additon the person with Autism may not know or understand social queues or etiquette which go with day to day social interaction e.g exchanging pleasantries or not being “over honest”. Any or all of these challenges can form a further barrier to social interaction.

People with autism may find it more challenging to make friends or to interact socially with peers, in work or in school. As this is an invisible condition, difficulty with socialising, poor social skills and etiquette is often interpreted as odd or rude by those who do not understand. Bullying, isolation or labelling may ensue as a result.

you can booklet .indd 4 25/03/2015 23:26:39 Sensory

Sensory integration or experience for people with autism can pose many problems for them in their daily environment. Their individual senses may be over or under stimulated at any given time. As a result, many people with autism may have an unbearable dislike of particular smells, noises, textures, tastes or sights which can lead to physical reactions or behaviour. Similarly they may have certain textures or smells which they find soothing or calming.

This can cause a lot of distress and anxiety. It may mean that they avoid certain activities or locations because of an association with a particular sensory experience e.g a relative’s house where there is a dog (barking) or the supermarket where the PA system may be in use.

If any individual with autism is exposed to a sensation which is particularly painful or upsetting for them – even in their own home – the physical effect can be so strong as to inhibit their ability to communicate the cause of their distress. At times it can be equally difficult for the person accompanying the person with autism to identify the cause of the distress.

Organisation

People with autism may struggle with organisational skills which can make day to day tasks like travelling on public transport or going about a job very stressful. Alternatively, a person may be very organised and ordered in everything they do, interference with their system can cause much stress.

Routine and “Black and White” Thinking

As you can imagine, people with autism can experience a lot of social anxiety. Many require routine and think in very definitive terms. This enables them to limit unknown and unfamiliar situations to manage their anxiety. Difficulty in reading social situations, an unexpected change to their schedule and sensory challenges in the environment can produce constant anxiety triggers.

“Stimming”

you can booklet .indd 5 25/03/2015 23:26:40 or get up and walk about. People with autism cope with their sensory needs in the same way but their physical actions may be much more pronounced and obvious to those around them. Some may need to jump, spin around, flap their hands or even emit a loud shout. These actions are, for the most part involuntary and become more pronounced at times of stress. As children, they have very little control over their ‘stimming’ but as they grow older they can learn to limit or control it to a certain extent. The greatest cause of distress in these situations is the public’s reaction by staring or commenting on their behaviour.

Concentration

People with autism may find it difficult to stay focused on a given task, particularly if it is not something which interests them. This can lead to difficulties in getting things done on a day to day basis. They may also be highly focused when they are doing things they enjoy however, interrupting their enjoyment or their thought process of such an activity or subject may cause anxiety or irritation.

Anxiety and Stress

It is anxiety that lies beneath many of the challenges people with autism face and the more anxious a person becomes the more heightened other challenges such as sensory or communication may become. We all need a degree of stress in our lives however for people with autism whose anxiety levels are high at all times, it can take very little to push this to an unbearable level.

Behaviour

At times, people with autism find it difficult to communicate a frustration, manage a situation or cope in their sensory environment. When this happens, a person may display challenging or distressing behaviour or what some would term a “meltdown”.

Public Perception

A key challenge for people with autism is the further disablement society can bring to them. Individuals can become frustrated at times because others, often well intentioned, can be patronising towards them or may not consider the individuals wishes. There can also be a tendency to stereotype or presume all people with Autism are the same – when in reality each person with autism is a person first, unique in terms of both abilities and challenges.

you can booklet .indd 6 25/03/2015 23:26:42 Additionally they often feel judged by society, due to the invisible nature of their condition, others can be quick to draw assumptions about an individual with the condition and their behaviour without knowing the full facts. People with autism have no choice but to live in aworld not built for them and the lack of adaptability in society poses many challenges for them on a day to day basis.

What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do, as an interested and proactive organisation or person, to make life a little bit easier for individuals and their families. A little effort by you within your area of control can help making an autism friendly enviroment.

We ask and encourage you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photo of your pledge written on our “AsIWilll” template and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #AsIWill

We will highlight your commitment on our website and are delighted to support you in this undertaking at any stage. While we welcome any creative ideas for inclusivity here are some suggested pledges below:

AsIWill – Watch my language We can be quick to use negative language when talking about people with autism or disabilities. We can do this in a very deliberate manner by using words like “retard”, we can also be disparaging in our remarks about a person we know who has autism.

The other reality is, at times we don’t know a person has autism but their behaviour is caused by the condition. We call people “weird”, “odd”, “freaks” etc. everyday but do we ever stop a think: “What damage am I causing with these words?” “Could the person have autism?” Maybe this can be your challenge!

AsIWill – See the person first We can all fall into the habit of stereotyping, but really it achieves little and doesn’t help you understand the person you are talking to, or empower the person as per their own abilities, challenges and potential.

Be armed with the facts but keep your mind open – make allowances where needed but don’t expect to meet a walking definition of autism!

you can booklet .indd 7 25/03/2015 23:26:42 AsIWill – Make an effort to include At times, there can be an assumption that people with autism don’t want to be included. Indeed, at times they do need their own space and may avoid some activities or environments. However, they may like to have opportunities to interact and participate like anyone else. We can be reluctant to invite someone with autism because we don’t know how they will respond or perhaps feel that they will only say no – but just ask! If a person says no, once, twice or even a hundred times, one day they might be in a place to say yes!

Also, consider activities you know the person enjoys, this will help them socialise as it will be in a familiar setting in which they can relax.

Now bear in mind you don’t always know who has autism – so be inclusive! During World Autism Month make a special effort to include, involve and invite those normally on the margins or who find it hard to participate.

AsIWill – Be sensory aware Consider the sensory environment and things people with autism find difficult, try to be sensory friendly in your behaviour and environment.

AsIWill – Look at my communication skills Are you clear in your language? Do people ever become confused with figures of speech or humour which you use? Do you use language in a way that is clear and concise? eg: Saying to a child ‘Pull your socks up’ when you really mean ‘ make an effort’. Consider this and the next time you see someone confused by what you are saying, employ what you have learned

AsIWill – Spread the word A big challenge for people with autism is the lack of awareness by the public. You have read this booklet, you have taken an interest.

Spread the message through conversation, social media and pass on your knowledge to at least one person!

you can booklet .indd 8 25/03/2015 23:26:42

AsYouCan – Retailers

Background

It is estimated that over 1 in 100 people in Ireland currently have a diagnosis of autism. There are many individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis and for the most part their autism does not impact hugely on their lives. While many others are formally diagnosed, indeed this figure has increased greatly in recent years, and Autism can pose a large challenge in day to day life There are some life experiences that cause more stress and anxiety than others, and shoping is just one.

The Autism Spectrum is broad, with people affected in a variety of ways, to varying degrees. No two people on the spectrum are affected the same way. However the areas of difficulty for those on the spectrum can largely be summed up under 4 headings:

• Social Communication • Social Imagination • Social Interaction • Sensory Processing

This document is developed to help you understand the condition and some simple ways you can make your business more autism friendly.

Like all families and individuals, those affected by Autism need to buy things and are your customers! Indeed, considering that Autism affects 1 in 100 of the population, this means that a large number of your adult and child customers have this condition. Through experience, people with Autism and their families know what types of environments to avoid so as not to exacerbate the condition.

Visiting a supermarket, shop or shopping centre is not easy for people who are on the Autism Spectrum – often shops, by their very nature, can be noisy, unpredictable, and busy and also

you can booklet .indd 9 25/03/2015 23:26:45 involve a lot of communication. This can make it very difficult for customers with autism and their families to face going into a shop at all. Especially if the person wants to browse or shop for non-essential items or goods. A simple trip to the shops for a parent of a child with autism can at times be very challenging and stressful.

By being aware about some of the main symptoms and the unique problems of this condition and finding out what you can do to enhance the shopping experience of those with it, you and your staff can make an important contribution in enriching the lives of people with autism in your community. You may be surprised how simple changes that your business can make can then make a positive and significant difference to the quality of life to a large proportion of your customers.

Retail – Key Challenges for those with Autism

Sensory – By their nature shops are usually busy places! Not only can there be large quantities of people but there is also a lot going on at any given time.

Consider your own shop … the following is an indication of the numerous ways that a normal retail environment can adversely affect an autistic person to such an extent that they may have to avoid your premises in order to maintain their social wellbeing.

Is it a noisy place? – For example,

Is there a tannoy or loudspeaker system in operation?

Do you play background music?

How often does your alarm go off?

Does your till make noise?

Is the shop frequently very crowded with people?

Are there many different smells in your shop? – For example,

Do you have a bakery?

Do you sell fresh fruit and vegetables?

Is there a butcher or fish counter?

Do you sell leather products?

Do you sell perfume or deodorant? 10

you can booklet .indd 10 25/03/2015 23:26:47 What is your shop like to look at? – For example,

Are there very bright lights?

Is there any light that flickers?

Is your shop full of very bright colours?

Is there a huge amount of products / information to take in?

Are there lots of people moving about all the time?

Do you have many television screens on?

What is the tactile experience of customers in your shop? – For example,

Do people frequently bump into other people?

What are your floors and walls like?

What are your products like to handle?

Is there anything to taste in your shop? – For example, do you sell fresh produce or are there samples available to try?

You are probably wondering what has all this got to do with autism? People with autism often have difficulty processing their sensory environment.As a result they can be under or over sensitive to certain senses.

you can booklet .indd 11 25/03/2015 23:26:53 This means people with the condition may find it difficult to cope in environments where there is a lot of sensory information to process. Additionally, people with the condition often have certain sensory experiences which they find particularly difficult e.g a baby crying, crowds of people or the smell of a bag of crisps. The processing of these types of sensory inputs or sensory information tends to be very particular to each person with the condition As you can imagine, these sensory challenges can make busy retail units difficult to cope with. Additionally, many families depend on retail units to have very specific products, for example a person with autism may only wear one brand of tracksuit bottoms or eat one very specific food brand – as this is the only one which they find agreeable to their senses.

Change – Moving things around in your store and occasionally changing the layout is no doubt very important to maximising your sales. However for individuals affected by autism it can be quite a stressful experience.

People with autism often find routine very important – it limits anxiety and provides reassurance. So when something is moved in a shop or a floor plan changes, this can be a source of great distress for a person with the condition, particularly when the change was not something they had prepared for.

Communication – Many people with autism find communication to be challenging and the world of retail is one in which communication is essential for customers.

The communication challenges faced by people with autism are broad and complex so we will try to highlight some common challenges. Some people with the condition are non-verbal (have little or no speech), this not only makes it more challenging to interact with staff but also can lead to a person becoming very frustrated or upset.

For those with the condition who are verbal it can still be very difficult at times to explain why something is upsetting or annoying you and this can lead to difficulties when shopping. Additionally, people with autism often find social interaction difficult and so will a) find it more difficult to ask for support or assistance from your staff if they are looking for something or

b) in communication with other people may misunderstand things or may come across as blunt or very matter of fact.

you can booklet .indd 12 25/03/2015 23:27:00 This is because people with autism do not think in the same way as others and have to learn the social skills which come naturally to many people. People with autism can also find it difficult to answer indirect questions and may take longer to process information such as the price of a product at the till, this can lead to stress and anxiety if the person is being put under pressure by staff or other customers.

Organisation – Often people with autism find organisation skills difficult. For that reason, it can be difficult to be organised while shopping e,g remember what they need, locate their money, pack bags etc. This can lead to stress and anxiety, particularly when they feel that they are under pressure or something goes wrong.

Stimming – ‘Stimming’ is a term used for repetitive stimulatory physical actions. When any of us become anxious we resort to little physical actions such as tapping a pen or drumming our fingers on the table. If we have been sitting for long periods of time we feel the need to change position or get up and walk about. People with autism cope with their sensory needs in the same way but their physical actions may be much more pronounced and obvious to those around them. Some may need to jump, spin around, flap their hands or even emit a loud shout. These actions are for the most part involuntary and become more pronounced at times of stress. As children they have very little control over their ‘stimming’ but as they grow older they learn to limit or control it to a certain extent. The greatest cause of distress in these situations is the public’s reaction by staring or commenting on their behaviour.

Anxiety – People with autism are often very anxious, for some of the reasons which we have outlined above. When a person leaves where they are most comfortable, such as their home environment, and come to a retailstore they are likely to be anxious about all the things which may go wrong or the unexpected.

If one small thing happens, such as a member of staff rushing them or a product they were hoping for being out of stock, this can exasperate their anxiety levels.

Public Attitude – As the condition is invisible, many parents describe how rather than receive empathy they are often stared at for “not being able to control their own child” by other customers when their child exhibits challenging behaviour. This isolation makes the role of the parent all the more difficult and the shopping experience all the more upsetting.

you can booklet .indd 13 25/03/2015 23:27:03 What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You and your staff now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do, as a retailer, to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by autism. Remember, those with autism are not a charity case but a significant customer base for your business – who will reward small accommodations with loyalty!

We ask you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photograph with your pledge written on our“AsIWill” template and post it on Facebook or twitter with the # “AsIWill”

We will highlight your commitment on our website where it may be seen by the very people who have a vested interest in an Autism Friendly Retail Environment and AsIam would delighted to support you in this undertaking at any stage.

AsIWill – Provide a quite area:

Provide a section in your shopping centre or large retail store so that families have somewhere a person with autism can take a few moments to collect themselves if they are feeling overwhelmed.

This will not only mean you have something to attract families that are affected by autism to your store but it also means that comfortable families are more likely to take their time while shopping!

AsIWill – Provide a “sensory friendly” shopping hour / morning:

Can you provide one-hour / morning a week where the tannoy system will not be in use, where no background music will play, where the lights are dimmed and efforts are made to make the shopping experience comfortable for families with Autism?

If so, you are on to a big draw of customers!

you can booklet .indd 14 25/03/2015 23:27:07 AsIWill – Provide visual aids / social story on our website:

Preparing to go to a new retail outlet or store can be a major challenge for those with autism. What will it look like? Where will we go? Will everything be ok?

These are common concerns of the Autism community. Can you provide a bank of images or a 360 degree tour on your website? This would be a great resource for the community, in preparing to visit somewhere for the 1st time.

AsIWill– Provide a priority queuing system:

On busy shopping days it is very difficult for people with autism due to noise levels, crowds and anxiety. Is it possible to provide a priority queuing system for families, who register the fact that they are affected by autism, with your store?

AsIWill– Hold a training day for staff:

There is no better commitment to autism awareness than holding a training event for your staff to learn how they can be more Autism friendly, how best to work with customers with the condition and how to resolve common challenges.

Ensuring that your Customer Service staff are Autism Aware can make it easier for customers to seek assistance while shopping.

Contact [email protected] for more information about the possibility of arranging a training course free of charge

AsIWill – Meet my local support group:

Just as no two shops are the same, no two people with autism are the same.

A great first step in identifying where your store could be more autism friendly would be to hold a meeting with your local autism support group.

you can booklet .indd 15 25/03/2015 23:27:11 AsIWill– Notify families of store layout changes

So much stress is caused by change and unexpected change can be a major hurdle for families affected by autism.Could you email your local support group, post on social media or send a text or photo to registered families when you make a significant layout change?

Place a notice within the shop explaining plans of new lay out changes

This would be an enormous support to the autism community.

AsIWill– Provide a product order / notification service

Families with autism often need very specific products, and also, in order to prepare a family member with the condition, the family need to know when a product is available.

Can you reserve products or notify customers when a product they are looking for has arrived in?

This would be a major relief of stress for many families affected by autism

AsIWill– Be a centre for Autism Awareness

We mentioned how, at times, families affected by autism feel isolated. This is often due to a lack of public awareness which leads to staring, name calling or rushing in retail stores.

To counter this, can you display autism awareness posters and flyers in your store?

you can booklet .indd 16 25/03/2015 23:27:15 AsYouCan – Healthcare

Background

It is estimated that over 1 in 100 people in Ireland currently have a diagnosis of autism. There are many individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis and for the most part their autism does not impact hugely on their lives. While many others are formally diagnosed, indeed this figure has increased greatly in recent years, and Autism can pose a large challenge in day to day life. There are some life experiences that cause more stress and anxiety than others, and healthcare is just one.

The Autism Spectrum is broad, with people affected in a variety of ways and also are affected to varying degrees. No two people on the spectrum are affected the same way. However, the areas of difficulty for those on the spectrum can largely be summed up under 4 headings:

• Social Communication • Social Imagination • Social Interaction • Sensory Processing

This document is developed to help you understand the condition and some simple ways you can make your business more autism friendly

Key Challenges for those with Autism

A visit to a healthcare facility is a stressful event for most people facing concerns about their health, diagnosis, treatment and procedures. For someone with Autism these anxieties are compounded with other issues:

you can booklet .indd 17 25/03/2015 23:27:19 Communication

People with Autism vary greatly in their communication abilities and skills. There are those whose language skills are exceptional to the point of sounding aloof and even abrupt, to those with little or no verbal skills and everything in between. Communication is not just about speech. People with Autism may have an impaired ability to understand language and abstract phrases. Many will take a literal understanding of what is said. They may require a little longer than most to process an instruction or question. At times of stress their communication skills can be compromised.

Senses

Sensory integration or experience for people with autism can pose many problems for them in their environment. Their individual senses may be over or under stimulated at any given time:

Hearing – Certain loud or sudden noises can cause physical pain and distress. e.g.: PA announcements, baby crying, mechanical equipment

Sight – Bright or fluorescent lighting in a waiting room or use of surgical lamp can cause photophobia.

Taste – A strong aversion to / or need for strong tastes such as medicines or mouthwash.

Smell – a heightened sense of smell provides all sorts of difficulties for a patient in the presence of strong clinical smells.

Touch – Touch is particularly significant when consulting with a patient with autism. A heightened sensitivity to touch can make examination or treatment difficult. Many have a very high pain threshold making diagnosis difficult. Fear

Anxiety is a key issue for people with autism. They have difficulty coping with unexpected change or new surroundings. Having to meet new people in unfamiliar settings for an unpredictable encounter will put all their fear ‘antennae’ into heightened alert and increase their anxiety levels.

you can booklet .indd 18 25/03/2015 23:27:23 ‘Stimming’

‘Stimming’ is a term used for repetitive stimulatory physical actions. When any of us become anxious we resort to little physical actions such as tapping a pen or drumming our fingers on the table. If we have been sitting for long periods of time we feel the need to change position or get up and walk about. People with Autism cope with their sensory needs in the same way but their physical actions may be much more pronounced and obvious to those around them. Some may need to jump, spin around, flap their hands or even emit a loud shout.These actions are for the most part involuntary and become more pronounced at times of stress. As children, they may have very little control over their ‘stimming’ but as they grow older they may learn to limit or control it to a certain extent. The greatest cause of distress in these situations is the public’s reaction by staring or commenting on their behaviour.

Self-Organisation

People with autism often find it extremely difficult to organise appointments or stick to schedules. This is especially relevant when scheduling further appointments or treatment compliance. The use of visual reminders is very useful for all patients regardless of their communication abilities.

Advocacy

Children will attend the clinic with their parent / guardian. The parent will provide you with much of the information that is required for the consultation. However, young adults may be less inclined to have their parent present and it may be an option to allow them to bring a friend or advocate to the visit. It is useful to have gained as much information in advance of the appointment to avoid unnecessary delays in the surgery.

Encourage patients to inform the secretary / receptionist when making the appointment that the child / person has Autism and if they have particular difficulties around waiting, waiting room, communication etc.

An essential part of quality healthcare is to meet the patient’s needs and to make them feel as secure and relaxed as possible. With a better awareness and understanding of Autism this can be achieved with just a few considerations.

you can booklet .indd 19 25/03/2015 23:27:29 What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do as a healthcare provider to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by autism. A little effort invested early on makes for easier consultations later.

We ask you to make an “AsiWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photo of your pledge written on our “AsiWill” template and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #AsIWill

We will highlight your commitment on our website and be delighted to support you in this undertaking at any stage. While we welcome any creative ideas for inclusivity here are some suggested pledges below:

AsIWill Facilitate easy communication for patients

There are many technology devices and apps available now to help with visual communication. It is worth investing in one that will contain pictures of the common vocabulary required in a healthcare session. Pain charts, body parts, common questions asked in consultation, instructions on taking medicine and many more besides.

All staff will be made aware of any communication difficulties that patients may have. Use clear factual language and avoid abstract terms and always support verbal information with visual information. Give extra time for the person to answer a question. Be conscious that for many with autism eye contact is sometimes difficult. Always explain clearly any procedure that we are about to do and give the person time to process the information before commencing.

AsIWill Make our clinic a sensory friendly environment

If there is a TV or radio in the waiting room volume will be lowered or turned off altogether if requested. Ring volume of phones will be reduced. Lighting can be dimmed to provide a more comfortable environment for the patient. If strong lighting is required the patient will be warned in advance and the light intro- duced gradually. If close proximity to other patients and babies is a source of stress, we will endeavor to make a space available away from the main waiting area.

you can booklet .indd 20 25/03/2015 23:27:32 AsIWill Provide a Social Story on your website

A social story is a very useful tool for explaining to someone what to expect when they come to the clinic. Having a virtual tour of the clinic on your website, a bank of photos of your clinic and staff and perhaps some posed photos of patients receiving routine treatment all help to prepare an autistic person for a visit.

AsIWill Involve parents or advocates in the cosultation

A parent of a child with autism or special needs is often the expert when it comes to their child. Listen to what they say very carefully and accept any advice or tips that they offer in communicating or working with their child. If it is necessary to perform an examination, it may be useful to model the procedure on the parent first to show the child what to expect.

AsIWill Hold a training day for staff

There is no better commitment to Autism Awareness than holding a training event for your staff to learn how they can be more Autism friendly, how best to work with patients with the condition and how to resolve common challenges.

AsIWill Meet my local support group

Engaging with a local Autism Support Group will provide your staff with much of the information that they require and is an excellent opportunity to promote health in the Autistic community.

AsIWill Be a reliable source of information

Many parents and people with autism require additional attention from other healthcare professionals, Centres and resources. Time constraints and poor organisational skills make this search for contact details difficult. Having a list of the relevant services and information available in the clinic or on your website would be a great advantage for your patients.

you can booklet .indd 21 25/03/2015 23:27:41 AsIWill Be a centre for autism awareness

At times, families affected by Autism feel isolated. This is often due to a lack of public awareness that leads to other people staring at their behaviour, that of their child or lack of understanding about their need for priority consultations.

To counter this, can you display autism awareness posters and flyers in your clinic?

For further information please contact [email protected]

you can booklet .indd 22 25/03/2015 23:27:43 AsYouCan – Emergency Services

Background

It is estimated that over 1 in 100 people in Ireland currently have a diagnosis of autism. There are many individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis and, for the most part, their autism does not impact hugely on their lives. While many others are formally diagnosed, indeed this figure has increased greatly in recent years, and Autism can pose a large challenge in day to day life There are some life experiences that cause more stress and anxiety than others, and healthcare is just one.

The autism Spectrum is broad, with people affected in a variety of ways, to varying degrees. No two people on the spectrum are affected the same way. However the areas of difficulty for those on the spectrum can largely be summed up under 4 headings:

• Social Communication • Social Imagination • Social Interaction • Sensory Processing

This document is developed to help you understand the condition and some simple ways you can make your business more autism friendly.

Time is of the essence when dealing with emergencies and clear communication is essential to the successful outcome of any situation. For paramedics and other emergency personnel, arriving on the scene of any emergency, it may not be immediately obvious if a person has autism or they have communication difficulties. However, their behaviour may provide some clues.

Understanding autism and the challenges that may present for the individual will equip personnel to assess and treat an injured or sick person who suffers with autism more efficiently and effectively. 23

you can booklet .indd 23 25/03/2015 23:27:46 Key challenges for those with autism

Sensory

Individuals with autism can have either over or under active senses, loud or sudden noises, strong smells, strange textiles, touch or different tastes can cause extreme anxiety. This can cause many challenges for the emergency personnel trying to examine and treat a patient.

Change

Many people with autism tend to be ‘creatures of habit’ and find change in their routine or a sudden change in plans very distressing. For example, if they were on a car journey to a particular destination and their car was involved in an accident. Their more immediate concern may be that their journey is disrupted rather than any injuries they or other passengers may have sustained. Being transported in an ambulance or moving from one examination area to another without adequate warning or preparation may cause distress and extreme fear of the unexpected.

Communication

As the autism spectrum is so varied the communication abilities of individuals varies accordingly. Some people may speak fluently but their conversation may appear quite aloof or self - centered. They may wish to discuss their particular interest or hobby to the complete exclusion of anyone else. This may work to the advantage of personnel in distracting the patient from the procedures that need to be done. Others may have limited or no speech but can understand –they can hear and understand everything that is being said.

The majority of people with autism are visual learners, use visual tools of communication / pictures / Apps to assess diagnose and explain treatment.

Stimming

‘Stimming’ is a term used for repetitive stimulatory physical actions. When any of us become anxious we resort to little physical actions such as tapping a pen or drumming our fingers on

you can booklet .indd 24 25/03/2015 23:27:48 the table. If we have been sitting for long periods of time we feel the need to change position or get up and walk about. People with autism cope with their sensory needs in the same way but their physical actions may be much more pronounced and obvious to those around them. Some may need to jump, spin around, flap their hands or even emit a loud shout.These actions are for the most part involuntary and become more pronounced at times of stress. As children they may have very little control over their ‘stimming’ but as they grow older they may learn to limit or control it to a certain extent. The greatest cause of distress in these situations is the public’s reaction by staring or commenting on their behaviour.

Anxiety

Emergency situations cause anxiety for everyone, but for someone on the autism spectrum, anxiety is often a constant state. Dealing with daily life is full of anxiety provoking triggers. To reduce this anxiety, they may try to keep to particular schedules or do things in a particular order to maintain predictability in their lives. Research has shown that anxiety levels are particularly high in most people with autism and any small trigger may be enough to produce a very severe stress reaction.

Being prepared is key to helping someone with autism in a time of emergency. With the proper information you can turn a potentially difficult situation into a successful one, bringing a positive outcome for everyone involved.

you can booklet .indd 25 25/03/2015 23:27:53 Quick Facts for Emergency Service Personnel

The individual with autism may be ‘stimming’ due to excessive anxiety or pain.

They may show an unusual pain response that could include laughter, humming, singing and removing of clothing.

Verbal communication may be difficult or impossible so consider using images or a communication App to assess the situation.

Individuals who appear not to understand may understand what you are saying to them but do not react.

If possible ask a caregiver what the functional level of the individual with autism is, then treat accordingly.

Look for less obvious causes of pain and inspect carefully for other injuries.

Children with autism tend to chew on objects and may swallow something without their parents being aware.

Some people with autism do not have a normal range of sensations and may not feel the cold, heat, or pain in a typical manner. They may fail to acknowledge pain in spite a serious injury or illness.

Carry out your physical examination in a quiet area if possible.

Explain what you plan to do in advance and explain as you do it.

Demonstrating the examination or procedure on another person first may help the person with autism have a visual knowledge of what your intentions are and put them at ease.

Move slowly, performing your examination distal to proximal

Individuals with autism often have tactile sensory issues, so touch and physical examination can be difficult and needs to be carried out slowly and carefully.

If possible avoid the use of plasters or any adhesive product as these may cause undue anxiety.

If transferring your patient to another department or hospital, explain where you are going, what or who they may see.

you can booklet .indd 26 25/03/2015 23:27:54 What YOU can do

You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do as an emergency response professional to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by autism.

We ask you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photograph with your pledge written on our “AsIWill” template and post it on Facebook or twitter with the #AsIWill

We will highlight your commitment on our website and be delighted to support you in this undertaking at any stage.

While we welcome any creative ideas for inclusivity, here are some suggested pledges below:

AsIWill Pledge

AsIWill ensure that all team members are made aware of the information in this fact sheet.

AsIWill ensure that every ambulance / vehicle / emergency department has a laminated copy of the most commonly used visual tools to communicate effectively with a person with autism.

AsIWill make contact with our local autism support group to share information with families on how best to work together with the Emergency Services and local Emergency Department.

AsIWill provide a 360 degree tour of an ambulance on your website to allow families or individuals with autism to familiarise themselves with it before it is needed in emergency.

AsIWill be aware that the sound of a siren may cause undue anxiety and will turn this off if not essential at the time.

AsIWill be conscious that bright lights / torches may cause sensory discomfort and will give adequate warning when these are required in the course of your work.

AsIWill take the opportunity to provide autism awareness training for all staff.

For further information please contact [email protected]

you can booklet .indd 27 25/03/2015 23:27:54 AsYouCan – Restaurants and Bars

Background

Restaurants and bars are part of day to day life – often they are where we relax, enjoy ourselves and mark key occasions in our life.

For customers on the Autism Spectrum however this is not so easy. Both restaurants and bars are social environments requiring lots of social interactions and communication, they are also often busy environments. Both of the factors can pose challenges for customers on the Autism Spectrum.

People with Autism make up approximately 1 in 100 of the Irish population, meaning potential customers in every city, town or village in Ireland. By becoming aware of issues affecting people with Autism, and making small changes, you can engage a new customer base and make a value social contribution to the Autism community at the same time.

Key Challenges for People with Autism in Restaurants and Bars

Communication

People on the autism spectrum vary greatly in their communication abilities and skills. Some people with autism excel in the area of language, to the point of sounding aloof or even abrupt, while others are totally non-verbal, with many people experiencing challenges somewhere in between the two extremes. For those who are non-verbal, being unable to communicate in a restaurant or bar entertainment can be frustrating e.g. not being able to explain a difficulty you are experiencing to staff or being unable to communicate your order.

you can booklet .indd 28 25/03/2015 23:27:57 There are many useful apps and tools your business can invest in though to help people explain their needs and wants, find out before a customer arrives how they usually communicate and how you could fall in with this system.

For those who are highly verbal, language can come across as scripted, mechanical or very matter of fact, however it is important that venue staff do not interpret this as bad manners, as this can lead to further anxiety for a person if they feel they are causin hostility.

Communication is about much more than talking however.

People with autism often have difficulty in understanding abstract language and figures of speech. In Ireland, we use this a lot and, indeed, how we say or explain things can even vary from one county to the next! This can be difficult for a person who will often take a literal understanding of language. You can play your part in making it easier for customer by using clear, clean language. People with autism often need more time to process and provide information and it is important that they are given the time to do that e.g. when queueing to pay or selecting a product or dish

At times of stress the communication skills of a person with autism can be compromised

Sensory

People with autism often struggle with sensory integration, this means they can be, at a given time, over or under sensitive to their sensory surroundings. Also due to the condition some may have particular noises, smells, visuals, textures or tastes which they cannot bear or that they really like e.g a person with Autism may find the smell of some dishes in a restaurant very difficult to deal with. Busy bars and restaurants, can be difficult to cope with in terms of noise and personal space. If there are large crowds of people all talking it might be difficult for them to relax or if you have live music it may cause the person to become anxious or uncomfortable. The comfort of interiors or people bumping into people may pose challenges for the “touch” sense for customers with autism.

Social Skills

Restaurants and bars are highly social environments. Social skills are often an area which people with autism struggle with and this may pose challenges in a bar or restaurant. A customer with autism may be highly anxious in the social situation of having to make

you can booklet .indd 29 25/03/2015 23:27:59 conversation or knowing how to interact with their group and other customers. A customer with autism may seem very distant, aloof or blunt but in fact this could be due to their discomfort in a particular social situation or conversation or could be how they communicate with other people typically e.g. very matter of fact in terms of conversation.

Another challenge may arise is a customer with autism may be very keen to interact with other customers but may not know where to begin or what is appropriate or inappropriate in how you might approach other customers and join in, this can lead to tension and isolation from other customers at times

Choice

Customers on the Autism Spectrum may struggle with choice when selecting food and drink, particularly if there is a large choice available or if a person cannot visualise / imagine what a particular drink or dish would taste or look like.This can make the process of ordering long and drawn out, could cause anxiety and will often lead to staff or other customers becoming impatient.

Routine

Routine is very important for many people, changes in routine could impact how they are able to cope in a restaurant or bar.

If a person has to come to a meeting or event in your premises, when they wouldn’t usually or is brought out unexpectedly by their family, this may be a major change to the person’s day to day routine. In turn, this could impact on their ability to enjoy themselves as they feel they do not know what is coming next, particularly where this is their first time in a premises.Alternatively, a regular customer to your restaurant or bar could become upset if things change from previous visits e.g menu changes, a staff member having a day off, having to sit in a different part of the bar/restaurant.

Anxiety

When things are not very clear or an unexpected situation arises an autistic person can become anxious. The more anxious a person with autism is, the more challenging it is for them to enjoy themselves. That is why it is crucial that clear communication and reasonable adaptations are provided to a customer to benefit interactions for both customer and staff

you can booklet .indd 30 25/03/2015 23:28:00 Behaviour

At times people with autism may display challenging behaviour, this is not a customer being difficult but rather a product of the person with the condition being unable to communicate their frustration or cope with their environment.

It is important to defer to the family or the people a person is with, should this occur as they will best understand how to appropiatly support the person.

Self-Consciousness

Many families affected by autism do not get to enjoy an afternoon or evening out at a bar or restaurant, often because they are very conscious of their child’s challenges or behaviour and are concerned that people will judge them, they won’t be able to relax or that they feel they will disrupt other customers.Premises that can help families relax and feel they can be themselves can make a very positive contribution to the life of a family and also access a lucrative market!

What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do as a healthcare provider to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by this condition. A little effort invested early on makes for easier consultations later.

We ask you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photo of your pledge written on our “AsIWill”” template and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #AsIWill

you can booklet .indd 31 25/03/2015 23:28:02 AsIWill – Training for Staff

A key first step in becoming more Autism friendly is ensuring that your staff understand the condition. As the condition is invisible it can be particularly challenging to identify and support people with the condition. Staff might assume a lot of expertise would be required to be “autism friendly” but very small changes in systems and attitude, can make an enormous difference.For more information about appropriate training contact [email protected]

AsIWill – Visual Aids for Preparation

Develop a pack, which can be downloaded online, that enables customers to prepare for their visit to your premises – include a 360 degree tour and images of the venue, car park, bathroom, staff, dishes and drink.

Additionally, provide information around the procedure for getting a table, sitting down ordering, how to pay the bill and any rules the premises may have. Include details about different menus and opening / closing times.This will enable individuals and families prepare for the trip.

AsIWill – Autism friendly sitting

For some families, affected by Autism, there are so many barriers to enjoying a meal out, they simply don’t bother or find that they never seem to be able to relax when they do. Would you organise an Autism friendly sitting in your restaurant? You could have your staff trained, take pre-bookings from families so you can prepare the space as per their needs and allow families to know they can come and relax with everyone in the same boat! If you would like to find out more information about setting up such a service please contact [email protected]

AsIWill – Quiet area

Can you provide a “quiet area” at your venue? This might be a small section cordoned off or a little room to one side away from all the noise and people.This might seem like a small gesture but is a great support for individuals and families who do experience distress while they are out.It will allow a person to get away from a particular situation, cool down and

you can booklet .indd 32 25/03/2015 23:28:06 collect themselves without having to leave, this can be especially good if there is loud music playing or if something happens, e.g. losing a game or a change in routine

AsIWill – Submit a request

Often it is the very small things which can cause a lot of upset for individuals with Autism i.e. a balloon may be scary as it might be associated with the loud BANG noise when it pops. Additionally, diet can be very specific for some individuals on the spectrum or a person may only be able to sit in the same seat as where they sat before.

Can you provide a request form so families can highlight these concerns in advance and you can work together to try and rectify any problems prior to their arrival? This removes stress for all involved on the day as everyone knows where they stand in advance.

AsIWill – Changes notification

Small changes can cause a lot of distress to people with Autism, this might be simple things like a paint job, new furniture or a change to the menu. If a person with autism prepares for, and expects, a particular environment and way of doing things, and it is different, it can become very stressful.

However if a person with autism is able to prepare for a change in advance it will often be a lot easier to cope! Would you allow a family with Autism to register with your premises for updates on any changes to menu or setting? This would be a small, easy to manage database that could be a real draw for potential customers in the autism community.

AsIWill – Meet Local Support Group

No two businesses are the same and nobody can advise you better in terms of the accessibility of your venue, than local families affected by autism.

Will you undertake to meet your local family support group and to hear their advice?

you can booklet .indd 33 25/03/2015 23:28:09 AsYouCan – Teams and Clubs

Background

It is estimated that over 1 in 100 people in Ireland currently have a diagnosis of autism. There are many individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis and, for the most part their autism does not impact hugely on their lives. While many others are formally diagnosed, indeed this figure has increased greatly in recent years, and Autism can pose a large challenge in day to day life.

The autism spectrum is broad, with people affected in a variety of ways, to varying degrees. No two people on the spectrum are affected the same way. However the areas of difficulty for those on the spectrum can largely be summed up under 4 headings:

• Social Communication • Social Imagination • Social Interaction • Sensory Processing

This document is developed to help you understand the condition and some simple ways you can make your club environment more autism friendly.

Sport is the backbone of many local communities around the country; it provides an opportunity for individuals to work together as a team improving their physical and mental health. Participation in sports also provides an opportunity to develop coordination or fine motor skills which is important for people with autism. It also provides an opportunity to learn important life lessons such as working in a team, rules or the concept of winning and losing.

you can booklet .indd 34 25/03/2015 23:28:12 Additionally people also have the opportunity to become involved in non-sporting clubs such as community work, a special interest or a hobby. These also provide an opportunity to come together to work toward a common goal or share specialist knowledge. Sports and activity clubs have so much to offer the autism community. First and foremost, they provide the opportunity to meet others in the community and socialise in a structured, safe environment, which is more comfortable for many people with autism than socialising in a casual setting. However clubs can also be a challenging place for those with autism, because those with autism can, at times, be left behind during activities, they can feel isolated or their needs may go unaddressed because their condition may not be obvious to many people.

This is a great pity, not only for those with autism, but also for the other members of the club. People with autism are known for their ability to be focused, enthusiastic and, in many cases, can excel in an activity or area which they find enjoyable. both assets which many clubs would really benefit from! A person suffering from autism can bring assets and benefits to any club or organisation because of their unique way of engaging with the world.

Key Challenges for people with autism in Sports and Extra-Curricular Clubs

Communication

People with autism vary greatly in their communication abilities and skills. There are those whose language skills are exceptional to the point of sounding aloof and even abrupt, to those with little or no verbal skills. This can lead to difficulties communicating in group settings.

Communication is about more than just speech however.

People with autism often need more time to process and share information, for some it can be hard to follow instructions and to keep up with peers.

Abstract language, figures of speech and use of humour, can also be difficult for people with autism, who may understand language at face value. Clear, concise and step by step instruction (using visual tools too) is often the most effective means of communication.

you can booklet .indd 35 25/03/2015 23:28:15 Social Skills

Sports clubs and activities often involve a large amount of interaction or socialising, and for people with autism this can be both a challenge and a cause of anxiety.

Because people with autism can behave quite differently to their peers and appear awkward, it can be difficult for them to feel comfortable in a group or to make friends. Due to these problems people with autism may become the victims of bullying or isolation.

The most suitable way of socialising would be in a setting where they do not feel pressured, are at ease and are doing something they enjoy. For that reason, clubs can play a big role in providing a social, safe, relaxing and healthy environment for people with autism. This is because the person with autism really enjoys the activity and are in an environment in which they can feel relaxed.

However, if a club is a high-stress, competitive environment this can lead to isolation for those with the condition. This can be seen at times if the person with autism is struggling with an activity and this begins to become a source of humour for other members.

Sensory

People with autism often struggle with sensory integration, this means they can be over or under sensitive to their sensory surroundings. People with the condition will often have particular noises, smells, visuals, textures or tastes whicthey cannot tolerate or that they really like.

People with the condition may find sporting or extracurricular activities challenging because they are such highly stimulating sensory environments. For example, a loud crowd at a sporting match may be difficult for a player with autism to cope with or an arts and crafts class might use a particular material, such as clay or glue they cannot bear to touch.

you can booklet .indd 36 25/03/2015 23:28:18 These challenges can pose a barrier for people with autism and something which a coach or leader may need to monitor. However, clubs which can manage these challenges can provide an important outlet enabling a person with autism to learn coping mechanisms and socialise with peers.

Coordination

Many people with autism find coordination a challenge, and this can make field sports or fine motor skills more challenging.

However with the appropriate support and outlet, clubs can also be a great means of developing this area.

Concentration

People with autism often have quite short attention spans, it can be a challenge for a member with autism to maintain concentration for the duration of a game, activity or class.

Spatial Awareness

People with autism may have poor spatial awareness, they may be more accident prone or may find large open spaces difficult to navigate. This can pose challenges when following or playing in a field sport.

Imagination

As people with autism often think in quite “black and white” terms it can be difficult at times to imagine a concept, for example an on-field strategy or a finished product.For this reason, visual aids are often required to explain concepts to those with the condition.

you can booklet .indd 37 25/03/2015 23:28:26 “Stimming”

‘Stimming’ is a term used for repetitive stimulatory physical actions. When any of us become anxious we resort to little physical actions such as tapping a pen or drumming our fingers on the table. If we have been sitting for long periods of time we feel the need to change position or get up and walk about. People with autism cope with their sensory needs in the same way but their physical actions may be much more pronounced and obvious to those around them. Some may need to jump, spin around, flap their hands or even emit a loud shout. These actions are for the most part involuntary and become more pronounced at times of stress. As children, they may have very little control over their ‘stimming’ but as they grow older they may learn to limit or control it to a certain extent. The greatest cause of distress in these situations is the public’s reaction by staring or commenting on their behaviour.

It is important that club facilitators or coaches have an awareness of this type of problem before the year begins, do not draw attention to it and try to provide a way to manage it.

Hyperactivity

As people with autism can be hyperactive many clubs can be quite reluctant to provide spaces for those with the condition or may find it hard to support a player who finds it difficult to staying focused. If strategies are not put in place it can lead to player or members no longer being able to remain in clubs.

Behaviour

When a person with autism becomes stressed or anxious and cannot communicate this, it can result in challenging behaviour. It is important that clubs understand the reasons behind such behaviour, how it presents and what can be done to avoid or manage it.

Anxiety

Many people with autism are highly anxious, it can be difficult for them to become involved in new activities, as they do not know what to expect. Changes in how things are run in a club or a new venue can also lead to stress.

you can booklet .indd 38 25/03/2015 23:28:28 What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do as a club to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by autism. A little effort invested early on makes for easier, better experiences for the person with autism.

We ask you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can demonstrate your willingness to participate in this autism support initiative by simply taking a photo of your pledge written on our “AsIWill” template and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #AsIWill

We will highlight your commitment on our website and we would be delighted to support you in this undertaking at any stage. While we welcome any creative ideas for inclusivity here are some suggested pledges below:

AsIWill Create an Inclusion Policy

Does your club have an inclusion policy? Are people with autism not only permitted but encouraged to join? What kind of support are you able to offer?

These are all issues which could be dealt with in a club inclusion policy and could be a very strong statement of intent from your club or organisation. We are happy to assist you in developing a suitable policy, for further information email [email protected]

AsIWill Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Start as you mean to go on. Prior to the commencement of the club year, gather information from the individual or, in the case of a child, their parents about the support which they will require, what they find most difficult and any other information which may be useful.

Invite the prospective member to see your club in action and get used to the environment, so that they can prepare mentally and highlight any concerns. Provide a trained mentor / buddy system so an existing member will keep an eye out for, and be a

you can booklet .indd 39 25/03/2015 23:28:32 friendly face, for a new member who has autism. Make sure everyone who needs this information receives it and puts it into action – you will provide a great opportunity for members with autism and address problems before they ever arise.

AsIWill Provide Visual Aids

Provide images of your club or a 360 degree tour on your website so members can prepare for their first visit.

AsIWill Create awareness within the club

Like many problems facing people with autism, issues may arise not with management but with other members of the club, parents or spectators who do not understand the condition. Run an autism awareness campaign in the club and also implement a zero tolerance approach to isolation or bullying

AsIWill Provide training

It is important that coaches or facilitators have an understanding of the needs of members with autism. Why not hold a training day to educate coaches about the challenges people with autism face, and how they can make them easier in the context of the club, email [email protected] for further information

AsIWill Provide sensory friendly options

What sensory challenges are people with autism facing in your club? Can you consider sensory friendly options for your activities and put them into action?

AsIWill Engage local support group

No two clubs are the same. There is no better organisation to highlight challenges faced by local people with the condition, in terms of involvement in sport or extracurricular activities, than the local autism support group.

you can booklet .indd 40 25/03/2015 23:28:37 AsYouCan – Hospitality

Background

It is estimated that over 1 in 100 people in Ireland currently have a diagnosis of autism. There are many individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis and for the most part their autism does not impact hugely on their lives. While many others are formally diagnosed, indeed this figure has increased greatly in recent years, and Autism can pose a large challenge in day to day life.There are some life experiences that cause more stress and anxiety than others, and hospitality is just one.

• Social Communication • Social Imagination • Social Interaction • Sensory Processing

This document is developed to help you understand the condition and some simple ways you can make your business more autism friendly

Whether it is for work or leisure, we stay in hotels from time to time, we go there to get away from everything and have a nice break or to relax after a busy day of work. We also go to hotels for functions, meetings and leisure at some point in our lives – they are truly a central point of many communities.

For people with autism, hotels can also be a stressful place where lots of social interaction is required. It is a busy environment which is hard to keep up with and can be unpredictable. As

you can booklet .indd 41 25/03/2015 23:28:40 a result, it can be difficult for people with autism to cope in hotels or to enjoy them in the way many of us do. This is a real barrier to full inclusion in society but it is also a major loss to the hotels industry. It means 1 in 100 of your prospective clients either find hotels unpleasant or unbearable.

Don’t panic though – by learning the basics and making small changes you can become an autism friendly environment.

Key Challenges for People with autism – Hospitality

Preparation & Planning

When a person with autism travels, either alone or with family, it can often be a source of much stress. They are breaking their usual routine and routine is very important for people with autism. It can be difficult for them to know what to expect, this in turn can increase their levels of anxiety. This can be managed by careful preparation, if they can access images of their room and the hotel facilities, before their stay. Also it would be very helpful if they could access a list of what they will be provided with in their hotel room.

This will help the person get a visual picture of the hotel environment.

If you have regular customers with autism it would be important to notify them of any changes in the hotel since their last visit to help them prepare.

Communication

People with autism vary greatly in their communication abilities and skills, challenges faced by them are broad and complex so we will try to highlight some common challenges.

Some people with the condition are non-verbal (have little or no speech), this not only makes it more challenging to interact with staff but also can lead to a person becoming very frustrated or upset. For those with the condition, and who are verbal it can still be very difficult at times to explain why something is upsetting or annoying them and this can lead to difficulties when dealing with hotel staff and other guests.

you can booklet .indd 42 25/03/2015 23:28:43 Additionally, people with autism often find social interaction difficult and so may

a) find it more difficult to ask for support or assistance from your staff if they are looking for something

b) when communicating with other people may misunderstand things or may come across as blunt or very matter of fact.

This is because people with autism do not think in the same way as others and have to learn the social skills which come naturally to many other people.

This can lead to difficulties when answering indirect questions. For some it may take longer to process information such as the price of a product at the till, this can lead to stress and anxiety if the person feels under pressure by staff or other customers.

For those who are non-verbal, being unable to speak in a hotel setting can be very frustrating, as the person may be unable to explain their anxiety or the stress they are experiencing in the environment. This can prevent the person interacting with the hotel staff to check in or request information. There are many useful apps and tools your hotel can invest in to help people communicate. If you contact the person or family before their arrival to establish how you can meet their needs and make their visit as relaxed as possible.

Communication is about much more than talking however. People with autism often have difficulty in understanding abstract language and figures of speech. In Ireland, how we say or explain things can even vary from one county to the next! This can be difficult for a person with autism who will often take a literal understanding of language. You can play your part in making it easier for guests with autism to communicate by using clear, direct language.

People with autism often need more time to process and provide information and it is important that they are given the time to do that. At times of stress, communication skills for an autistic person can be compromised.

you can booklet .indd 43 25/03/2015 23:28:45 Sensory

Hotels can be very difficult sensory environments for people with autism.Many people with autism can struggle with sensory integration; this means the 5 senses can, at any given time, be over or under- stimulated. Many people also find that busy hotels, can be difficult to cope with in terms of noise and personal space. Hotels which serve food or perhaps have a pool or even use air freshners, may have aromas which are difficult for some to be around. Certain textures in your hotel may be hard for a person with the condition to cope with.

Organisation

People with autism can struggle with organisational skills, particularly when anxious, it can be difficult for people affected by autism to remember all of the items they will need to bring for their stay and planning the duration of their visit.

Travel

Travel can be a very daunting and tiring prospect for many with autism. Transport often involves long periods of concentration and sitting still. Using busy public transport options which pose their own challenges.

For that reason, when a person arrives in a hotel they may already be stressed after their journey. Equally if a guest is travelling further from your hotel, it can be stressful and directions and assistanmay be required.

Routine

Breaking routine for a person with autism can be a source of stress so a trip away can be very difficult. Hotels may see these challenges for the person with autism in various ways, for example the cancellation of a meeting in a hotel, absence of a familar staff member who is usually on duty or even a change in menu or dining times can lead to much stress.

you can booklet .indd 44 25/03/2015 23:28:49 Anxiety

Anxiety can arise when things are not very clear or an unexpected situation arises. The more anxious a person with autism is, the more challenging it is for them to enjoy their stay. That is why it is crucial that clear communication and reasonable adaptations are provided to a guest, to maximise ease and enjoyment for both staff and guest.

Behaviour

At times people with autism may become upset, this can e due to them being unable to communicate their frustration or cope with their environment.

It is important to defer to the family, or person the guest is travelling with, should this occur as they will best understand how to support the person.

Self-Consciousness

Many families affected by autism do not get the time away they deserve, often because they are very conscious of their child’s challenges or behaviour and are concerned that people will judge them, they won’t be able to relax or feel that they will disrupt other guests.

Hotels that can help families relax and feel they can be themselves can make a very positive contribution to the life of family.

you can booklet .indd 45 25/03/2015 23:28:53 What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You and your staff now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do, as a hotelier, to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by Autism. Remember, those with autism are not a charity case but a significant customer base for your business – who will reward thoughtful accommodations with loyalty!

We will highlight your commitment on our website where it may be seen by the very people who have a vested interest in an Autism Friendly Environment and AsIAm would be delighted to support you in this undertaking at any stage.

AsIWill Staff Training

A key first step in becoming more autism friendly is ensuring that your staff understand the condition. As the condition is invisible it can be particularly challenging to identify and support people with the condition. Staff might assume a lot of expertise would be required to be “autism friendly” but very small changes in systems and attitude, can make an enormous difference.For more information about appropriate training contact [email protected]

AsIWill Visual Aids for Preparation

Develop a pack, which can be downloaded online, that enables guests to prepare for their visit to your hotel – a 360 degree tour and images of the facilities and rooms. Additionally, provide information around the procedure for check-in, items guests are required to bring themselves, how best to access the hotel and any rules the hotel may have.This will enable individuals and families prepare for their stay.

you can booklet .indd 46 25/03/2015 23:28:58 AsIWill Submit a Request Form

Often it is the very small things which can cause a lot of upset, balloons may be scary as it might be associated with the loud bang when it pops.

Additionally, diet can be very specific for some individuals on the spectrum, some may eat only limited foods or a room that will be affected by outside noise might be impossible to cope with. Can you provide a request form so families can highlight these concerns in advance and you can work together to try and rectify any problems prior to travel?

AsIWill Sensory friendly check-in / rooms

As part of the request process, can you provide sensory-friendly services to guests? Can you provide a quiet area of the hotel for guests who find noise or other sensory experiences difficult? Can you allow check-in / check-out at times when the hotel is most quiet?

AsIWill Meeting Local Support Group

No two hotels are the same and nobody can advise you better in terms of the accessibility of your day to day facilities, than local families affected by autism.

Will you undertake to meet your local family support group and to hear their advice?

For further information please contact [email protected]

you can booklet .indd 47 25/03/2015 23:29:05 AsYouCan – Public Transport

Background

It is estimated that over 1 in 100 people in Ireland currently have a diagnosis of autism. There are many individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis and, for the most part, their autism does not impact hugely on their daily lives. There are some life experiences that cause more stress and anxiety than others, and transport is just one.

• Social Communication • Social Imagination • Social Interaction • Sensory Processing

This document is developed to help you understand the condition and some simple ways you can make your business more autism friendly Using public transport such as buses, trains, trams or taxis, is something we all have to do at some point or another. It is something we can find a little bit stressful at times – sticking to a timetable, finding a comfortable spot on a crowded service and waiting in a busy station at the end of a long day.

However, for people with autism, who experience a wide array of challenges with communication, organisation, anxiety and sensory processing using public transport can be very daunting. Many people with autism, who may be eligible for a free travel pass, are reliant on public transport but, due to their concerns; use it restrictively, perhaps only using one or two routes. It is essential that the various transport providers have an awareness of the challenges which people with autism face and are creative in making their service autism friendly and fully accessible for the 1 in 100 of their customers who have the condition.

you can booklet .indd 48 25/03/2015 23:29:08 Key Challenges – Using Public Transport

Sensory People with autism struggle with sensory processing and sensory integration, this means that their 5 senses may be over- stimulated or under-stimulated at any given time. This makes a number of aspects of using public transport quite difficult

Sight Bright lights on a transport service may be very difficult to cope with for a customers with autism. Dark tunnels on train service may also pose problems. Additionally, some people with autism have an aversion to certain colours and can become quite anxious when exposed to it, for example a bright red sign.

Smell A person with autism can find certain smells can affect them in different ways some they strongly dislike / find hard to cope with or smells which they find extremely relaxing. On a public transport, we may have experienced sitting next to someone eating something with a very strong smell, and it can be annoying, but for a person with autism it may cause them distress. Alternatively a person with autism may really like a certain smell, like the smell of perfume for example.

Hearing Many people with autism find large crowds difficult, due to the high level of noise, for this reason a busy transport service may be difficult to cope with. Additionally, the common noises which public transport vehicles make – such as beeping doors, tannoy system or the sound of a horn, might be very frustrating as might a loud radio in a taxi or private hire vehicle.

People with autism may also have a sound or a line from a film orTV series which they like and may repeat this repetitively, which other customers may become frustrated at.

Touch It is quite common for some people with autism to need a certain amount of personal space, it can very stressful and uncomfortable they may find it difficult with people bumping into them. It is for this reason, busy transport services can be very difficult. Additionally, some people may find a particular texture either very unpleasant or very pleasant and this may impact how well they are able to sit down.

Taste Perhaps the least relevant to public transport, people with autism often have a strong aversion or need for a certain taste in their mouth e.g a particular food or mouthwash.

you can booklet .indd 49 25/03/2015 23:29:08 Communications

However, communication is about a lot more than just speech and people with autism also often find it hard to understand and interpret language, both verbal and non-verbal e.g. body language or facial expression. People with autism sometimes require longer periods of time to process what you are saying and can be over-whelmed by too many questions at once. This can be challenging in a busy station where staff maybe under pressure.

Additionally, people with autism often struggle to understand humour or figures of speech, we all use these in our day to day communication, as we do body language and facial expressions. However, for a person with autism clear, basic communication can be an easier way to get your message across quickly and without causing anxiety.

Organisation Individuals with autism often find it hard to stay organised, amidst the stress of their daily life. Remembering a travel pass, keeping a ticket safe or getting to the station on time can be difficult.

Routine Some who experience a lot of anxiety, find a routine an important way of staying on top of their stress and knowing what is coming next is important. Indeed some people will stick rigidly to time and habits as a means of providing structure and stability to their day.

For that reason, any change in plan can cause difficulties, a train or bus being late or a road being closed may be very stressful as they may not be able to adapt as quickly to the new arrangements as other passengers.

you can booklet .indd 50 25/03/2015 23:29:12 Anxiety

If you can imagine the difficulties which can arise from finding it hard to communicate and cope in your environment, it will probably make a lot of sense to you that people with autism often really struggle with anxiety. The more anxious a person with autism becomes, the more difficult it is to cope with other aspects of their condition.

If something goes wrong for them before they leave the house, this may impact on their ability to function later on in a transport setting.

“Stimming”

People with autism cope with their sensory needs in the same way but their physical actions may be much more pronounced and obvious to those around them. Some may need to jump, spin around, flap their hands or even emit a loud shout. These actions are for the most part involuntary and become more pronounced at times of stress. As children they have very little control over their ‘stimming’ but as they grow older they can learn to limit or control it to a certain extent.

The greatest cause of distress in these situations is the public’s reaction by staring or commenting on their behaviour, which can often happen on public transport. From the point of view of a service provider, if you see a person stim it may be a sign that something is causing upset or stress, you migh now consider if there is anything going on which could be triggering the behaviour that can be rectified without approaching the person or embarrassing or upsetting them.

you can booklet .indd 51 25/03/2015 23:29:16 What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do as a transport provider to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by autism. A little effort invested early on makes for easier operation in the long term.

We ask you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photo of your pledge written on our “AsIWill” template and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #AsIWill

AsIWill Hold a training day

It is vital that members of staff have an understanding of the needs of people with autism and can identify sources of distress and challenges for those with the condition, particularly because it is an invisible condition and a person who could be seen as a “difficult customer” could in fact be a person with the condition.

Will you commit to organising a training day with your staff to educate them in the basics around autism? Having one trained person in an area / station could be a great start! Contact [email protected] to request further information.

AsIWill Provide a designated waiting area

Will your service commit to providing a special waiting area for those with autism to have the calm, quiet and space they need before embarking on their journey?

AsIWill Provide visual aids for preparation

A great way to prepare people with autism for a change in routine or something new is the use of visual aids so the person with autism will know what to expect when they arrive –

what the station will look like? what uniform the staff wear? what the train/bus looks like when it is busy?

you can booklet .indd 52 25/03/2015 23:29:18 Providing an images pack or 360 degree tour on your website would be an enormous help to families and individuals preparing to use their service.

AsiWill Easy to understand timetables and instructions

As we have mentioned, people with autism process information differently and often find clear, straight forward language or visual instructions easier to follow. Will you review your timetables, service instructions and promotional materials to make them easier to use from an autism perspective?

AsiWill Conduct a survey

Every service is different. No two people with autism are the same. Would you consider conducting a survey of your service-users with autism / their families to find out where you can improve? AsIAm would be delighted to help, contact us on [email protected]

AsiWill Engage in support groups

No one knows your service better, from an autism perspective, than members of the local autism support group. Would you consider holding a meeting with members of the local group to hear their experiences, good and bad?

AsiWill Provide sensory supports

The sensory environment will always be a challenge for many with autism and it is not always possible to create the perfect environment within your service however would you consider how you can make your environment more sensory friendly?

Can you provide a quiet hour on your service once a week? Can you designate a section of your service “sensory friendly”? Can you allow people with autism to visit the service before the use it?

AsiWill Run an awareness campaign

Your staff will not always be on hand for an entire journey and the experiences of people with autism are often impacted by the other customers. When they do not understand autism , nasty comments and unhelpful behaviour can ensue. Where they do understand it, very kind and considerate behaviour often becomes the norm.

you can booklet .indd 53 25/03/2015 23:29:24 Do you want 1 in 100 of your customers to be confident using your service? Why not run an awareness campaign aimed at your customers in general?

AsiWill Provide a notification service for any changes in plan

Changes in plan are hard to cope with for many with the condition, but they can be a lot easier to cope with if the person has time to prepare in advance.

Can you setup a notification system for passengers with autism, where information like this could be texted (as far as possible) in advance?

For further information please contact [email protected]

you can booklet .indd 54 25/03/2015 23:29:28 AsYouCan – Entertainment Venues

Background

Cinema, Concerts, Bowling Alleys, Theatres, Stadiums – all places which sound like a lot of fun, places you want to spend your spare time – and just a few examples at that! We go to these places to enjoy a weekend, go to a big event or mark a big occasion and we enjoy it. For people with autism, or 1 in 100 of every community, these venues can pose a huge array of challenges and may, at times, be more a source of stress than a source of enjoyment! They are busy, socially intensive environments, which often we go to out of routine, and these are all factors which pose barriers to individuals and families affected by autism enjoying a good day out!

That is not to say people with autism don’t enjoy going to see a movie or to play a game of bowling – the aspects of the setting and structure can be difficult but, by making small changes, you can unlock the magic of your venue for people attract a clientele to your business at the same time!

Key Challenges for People with Autism in Entertainment Venues

Communication People on the autism spectrum vary greatly in their communication abilities and skills. Some people with autism excel in the area of language, to the point of sounding aloof or even abrupt, while others are totally non-verbal, with many people experiencing challenges somewhere in between the two extremes.For those who

you can booklet .indd 55 25/03/2015 23:29:32 are non-verbal, being unable to in an entertainment venue can be frustrating e.g. not being able to explain a difficulty youare experiencing to staff or unable to communicate your excitement. There are many useful apps and tools your business can invest in though to help people explain their needs and wants, find out before a customer arrives how they usually communicate and how you could fall in with this system.

Communication is about much more than talking however.

Sensory

Entertainment venues can be extremely busy environments, with lots going on in terms of crowds, noises, smells, lighting and textures.

People with Autism often struggle with sensory integration, this means they can be, at a given time, over or under sensitive to their sensory surroundings. Some may have particular noises, smells, visuals, textures or tastes which they cannot bear or that they really like e.g a person may find bright or flashing lights or loud music difficult to cope with.

Social Skills

Entertainment Venues are highly social environments. Social skills are often an area which people with autism struggle with and this may pose challenges. A customer may be highly anxious in the social situation of having to make conversation or knowing how to interact with

you can booklet .indd 56 25/03/2015 23:29:33 their group, e.g attending a child’s birthday party, or other customers. They may seem very distant, aloof or blunt but in fact this could be due to their discomfort in a particular social situation or conversation or could be how they communicate with other people typically e.g. very matter of fact in terms of conversation.

Another challenge thay may arise is a customer with autism may be very keen to interact with others but may not know where to begin or what is appropriate or inappropriate. Not knowing how to approach other customers and join in can lead to tension and isolation from other customers at times.

Routine

Routine is very important for many people, changes in routine could impact how they are able to cope in an entertainment venue.

If a person with autism goes somewhere new this can be a stressful experience, especially if they have not had times to prepare or do not know what to expect e.g. a family deciding to go to the cinema at the last minute and visiting a new cinema.

Alternatively, if a person with autism is used to going to a particular entertainment venue every week and something changes in that environment e.g. staff member having day off, change in layout / format etc. this could lead to deep anxiety as they may no longer feel secure in what is happening. By helping families to prepare for a visit and keeping frequent customers posted on any planned changes, you can make life easier for all involved!

Anxiety

When things are not very clear or an unexpected situation arises an autistic person can become anxious.

The more anxious a person with autism is, the more challenging it is for them to enjoy themselves. That is why it is crucial that clear communication and reasonable adaptations are provided to a customer to benefit interactions for both customer and staff.

you can booklet .indd 57 25/03/2015 23:29:34 Concentration / Hyperactivity

People with Autism may find it difficult to concentrate on one task for a lengthy period of time or to sit still / not run around. This can make going to a cinema or theatre very difficult or can pose a challenge to go to play a game somewhere as it may be difficult for a person with autism to retain their attention on one task, especially in an environment that is very busy and full of distractions!

Having breaks and opportunities to move around are very important for those with autism, as well as breaking up tasks into smaller chunks or smaller games to keep a person’s mind occupied!

Behaviour

At times people with Autism may display challenging behaviour, this is not a customer being difficult but rather a product of the person with the condition being unable to communicate their frustration or cope with their environment.

It is important to defer to the family or the people a person is with, should this occur as they will best understand how to appropiatly support the person.

Self-Consciousness

Many families affected by autism do not get to enjoy an afternoon or evening out at an entertainment venue, often because they are very conscious of their child’s challenges or behaviour and are concerned that people will judge them, they won’t be able to relax or that they feel they will disrupt other customers.

Venues that can help families relax and feel they can be themselves can make a very positive contribution to the life of a family and also access a lucrative market!

What YOU can do

The power is in your hands! You now have an insight into some of the common challenges people with autism face and what you can do as a healthcare provider to make life a little bit easier for individuals and families affected by this condition. A little effort invested early on makes for easier consultations later.

you can booklet .indd 58 25/03/2015 23:29:37 We ask you to make an “AsIWill” Pledge such as one of those listed below. You can participate by simply taking a photo of your pledge written on our “AsIWill”” template and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #AsIWill

AsIWill – Training for Staff

Staff might assume a lot of expertise would be required to be “autism friendly” but very small changes in systems and attitude, can make an enormous difference.

For more information about appropriate training contact [email protected]

AsIWill – Visual Aids for Preparation

Develop a pack, which can be downloaded online, that enables customers to prepare for their visit to your premises – include a 360 degree tour and images of the venue, facilities, car park, bathroom, staff, dishes and drink.

Additionally, provide information around the procedure for booking / getting a ticket, arriving at the venue, how the service operates, what to expect and any rules the venue may have. This will enable individuals and families prepare for the trip.

AsIWill – Dedicated Viewing / Enjoyment Times

A great way to allow individuals and families affected by autism to enjoy your venue, hassle free, provide a dedicated time or day for families autism with to access your facility exclusively.You can make the space more sensory friendly by turning down lights and music, make sure staff are well trained in understanding the needs of the customers with autism

you can booklet .indd 59 25/03/2015 23:29:41 and allow families to enjoy themselves without feeling self-conscious.

For further information about the organisation and promotion of such an initiative please email [email protected]

AsIWill – Quiet area

Can you provide a “quiet area” at your venue? This might be a small section cordoned off or a little room to one side away from all the noise and people.

This might seem like a small gesture but is a great support for individuals and families who do experience distress while they are out.

It will allow a person to get away from a particular situation, cool down and collect themselves without having to leave, this can be especially good if there is loud music playing or if something happens, e.g. losing a game or a change in routine

AsIWill – Meet Local Support Group

No two businesses are the same and nobody can advise you better in terms of the accessibility of your venue, than local families affected by Autism.

Will you undertake to meet your local family support group and to hear their advice?

you can booklet .indd 60 25/03/2015 23:29:45 Notes

______

you can booklet .indd 61 25/03/2015 23:29:45 While AsIAm.ie have made every reasonable effort to provide information that is as comprehensive, accurate and clear as possible, the information provided in this guide is necessarily of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of a particular individual, group or service.

The information is intended as a general guide only and should not be considered as legal or professional advice.

Acknowledgement

AsIAm.ie would like to thank the following people for their advice and support in the production of this guide.

Grainne Dowdall Christopher McCormac

you can booklet .indd 62 25/03/2015 23:29:45 you can booklet .indd 63 25/03/2015 23:29:45