Individualizing Support for Individuals with Autism

Every person with autism is a unique individual with their own set of strengths, needs, and life goals. While support may be required, each person with autism has infinite potential that can be fostered with proper planning and support. The focus of a person-centered approach is on individual strengths and abilities. It is critical to view the person as someone who is fully capable of participating in making important decisions about their own life. When we individualize support, we assess a person’s strengths, interests, preferences, and needs, then plan for and incorporate these into daily life. Choice is central to taking a person-centered approach. One must respect the individual’s choices, provide support, and give the person the opportunity to learn from their own mistakes. The goal is to provide support in a way that improves life skills, develops interests, and meets goals, while encouraging independence.

Identify and Encourage Strengths

• • What do they do well?
  • What can they do independently?

Use Interests to Drive Skill Development

• • How do they choose to spend his or her time?
  • How does their affect differ when they are engaged with preferred and non-preferred activities?

Identify Preferences and Provide Opportunities for Exploration

• • What activities, items, or people do they prefer?
  • When given a choice, what do they tend to prefer?

Address Needs and Take Advantage of Natural Supports

• • In what areas do they need assistance?
  • What natural supports are available in the settings they live in or participate in?

What You Can Do Now

• 1. Interview someone you support by exploring the questions outlined above.
  2. If the person you support is non-verbal or does not have a form of functional communication, observe their behaviors to discern what their particular strengths, interests, preferences, and needs are.
  3. With the individual’s permission, ask family members, friends, and co-workers who know the individual to share what they know about their particular strengths and interests.