FAQautism

The range of self-sufficiency in autism is vast, making it impossible to categorize individuals with autism into standard brackets. For example, if most of our acquaintances with autism are rather self-sufficient, it may be difficult for us to understand the issues that challenge less independent individuals.

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I have overheard people criticize teachers or parents for helping a child too much. In some cases, their concern is warranted, but, in other cases, a person’s autism does, indeed, stand in the way of their being able to take care of personal needs or to initiate a task or to live independently. On the other end of the scale, I have overheard comments about a seemingly typical person who appears to be using autism as an excuse. The person making the comment is probably not aware of the disabling effects of autism on issues such as managing finances, interacting appropriately at work, dealing with extraordinary sensory issues, driving a car, or other aspects of daily life that most typical people take for granted.

The range of self-sufficiency among hundreds of individuals with autism I have known over the years is very broad and somewhat unpredictable. For example, one young adult friend is a gifted musician, bright student, and good conversationalist with many friends, but she will probably never be able to live independently because of extreme sensory issues and the need for assistance with many aspects of personal care. On the other end of the spectrum, an older elementary student who is non-verbal and unable to read is very intuitive and helpful. He not only takes care of his personal needs, he also notices when other people need assistance and lends a helping hand without any prompting.

This is an informal chart of the range of self-sufficiency I have observed over the years.
1. Needs assistance in every step of daily care
2. Completes daily care tasks with close supervision
3. Completes daily care tasks with reminders
4. Initiates some tasks, but still needs some reminders
5. Functions somewhat independently in supported environment
6. Lives independently with some support for transportation, financial management, or other issues.
7. Lives independently

TIP FOR THE DAY: We may need to stop and reflect on the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder that touches on many aspects of an individual’s life. Rather than taking things for granted, we can help our friends by looking carefully at strengths and deficits in all areas, helping build on strengths and compensate for deficits.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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