By Kathleen Schubert (Actually autistic, author of U Don’t Seem Autistic)
Are you curious about how to interact with an autistic person and their service dog in public? Interacting with an autistic person can be a little different (sometimes) than interacting with someone without autism, but with a few simple tips, you can ensure that your interaction is respectful and positive. Here are some tips on how to interact with an autistic person and their service dog for autism in public:
How to Speak
When speaking to an autistic person, it's important to be patient and understanding. Here are some tips on how to communicate effectively:
Speak clearly and directly: Use simple, clear language when speaking to an autistic person. Be direct, and avoid using sarcasm or figurative language.
Give them time to process: Autistic people may need more time to process information. When speaking, give them time to fully understand what you're saying before responding.
Ask open-ended questions: Avoid asking yes or no questions. Instead, ask open-ended questions that allow for more detailed answers.
How Not to Speak
There are also some things to avoid when speaking to an autistic person. Here are some things you should not do:
Don't speak loudly or abruptly: Loud noises and sudden movements can be overwhelming for autistic people. Speak calmly and avoid sudden movements.
Don't touch the person or their service dog without permission: Some autistic people may be sensitive to touch. Always ask before touching someone or their service dog.
Don't assume they are not understanding you: Just because an autistic person may have trouble communicating or seem unresponsive does not mean they do not understand you. Be patient and give them the time they need to respond.
What is Appropriate
When interacting with an autistic person and their service dog, here are some things that are appropriate:
Respect their space: Give them plenty of personal space and avoid standing too close.
Ask before petting the service dog: Service dogs for autism are trained to help their owner and should not be distracted. Always ask before petting a service dog. It may not be appropriate to pet as it concentrates on the work.
Use positive reinforcement: If an autistic person does something you find positive, such as making eye contact or speaking up, offer positive reinforcement, such as a smile or a compliment.
What is Not Appropriate
Some things are not appropriate when interacting with an autistic person and their service dog:
Do not stare: Staring can make an autistic person uncomfortable and self-conscious.
Do not make assumptions: Every autistic person is different and has unique needs and preferences. Do not assume that all autistic people are the same.
Do not judge: Autistic people may behave or communicate differently than what is considered "normal". Do not judge them based on these differences.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your interaction with an autistic person and their service dog for autism in public is positive and respectful. Remember, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of their abilities or differences.
If you're looking for more information on this topic, here are some sources to check out:
Autism Society. (2022). Interacting with Individuals with Autism. Retrieved from https://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/interacting-with-individuals-with-autism/
Autism Research Institute. (n.d.). What is Autism? Retrieved from https://www.autism.org/what-is-autism/
National Autism Association. (n.d.). Interacting with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Retrieved from https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/interacting-with-individuals-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/
The Art of Autism. (2017). 10 tips for interacting with autistic people. Retrieved from https://the-art-of-autism.com/10-tips-for-interacting-with-autistic-people/
American Kennel Club. (2021). Service Dog Etiquette: How to Interact with a Service Dog. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-dog-etiquette-how-to-interact-with-a-service-dog/
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