What are the do’s and don’ts of autism? Do use clear, literal language, give processing time, reduce sensory load, and reinforce specific skills. Don’t force eye contact, don’t touch without consent, don’t use sarcasm or vague hints, and don’t punish harmless stimming. What are the do’s and don’ts of autism? Follow predictable routines, use visual supports, and offer choices.
In our North Carolina sessions, caregivers ask, “What are the do’s and don’ts of autism?” We coach a simple flow: say one instruction at a time, wait 5–10 seconds, model, then praise the exact behavior. Headphones or a quiet corner lower noise and light. Sensory hyper- or hyporeactivity is included in DSM-5 criteria, and many autistic people experience sensory overload in crowded or noisy places. U.S. monitoring data identify about 1 in 36 children with autism, so these strategies are widely used in home and school plans (CDC, 2023). What are the do’s and don’ts of autism? Keep communication concrete, plan transitions, and protect dignity.
Ready for a written home plan you can use this week? Call Epic Minds Therapy. We will map triggers, build visuals, and practice responses with you.
FAQ
Do I need visuals?
Visual schedules and first-then cards improve follow-through for many learners.
How long should I wait after giving a direction?
Pause 5–10 seconds to allow processing.
Is stimming bad?
Not if it’s safe; redirect only when risky or disruptive.
What helps in public places?
Plan exits, bring headphones, and keep instructions short.
Sources:
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-eye-contact
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/stimming/all-audiences
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38172076/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24291-diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-dsm-5
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensory-overload
- https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html



