Support ideas (Home, School, Work)

Support at home works best when it is predictable, calm, and respectful of sensory needs. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference to comfort, regulation, and independence.

• Keep regular times for waking, meals, activities, and sleep
   
• Follow the same order each day (even if times vary)
   
• Use a simple visual schedule (pictures or words)
   
• Prepare for changes with clear warnings (“in 10 minutes… then…”)
   

• Use clear, direct language
   
• Say what you mean (avoid hints or sarcasm)
   
• Give one instruction at a time
   
• Offer choices (2 options only)
   
• Allow extra processing time
   

• Reduce background noise (TV, radio, devices)
   
• Use soft lighting (lamps instead of bright overhead lights)
   
• Remove uncomfortable clothing tags or textures
   
• Allow headphones, weighted blankets, or comfort items
   

• Create a quiet safe space or “calm corner”
   
• Encourage stimming (it helps self-regulation)
   
• Build in regular breaks before overload happens
   
• Use breathing, gentle movement, or music to calm
   

• Same calm playlist for:
   
  • Morning routine
     
  • Mealtimes
     
  • Wind-down and bedtime
     
• One “safe song” for anxiety or overload
   
• Use music to signal transitions (same song = same task)
   

• Respect food textures and preferences
   
• Introduce new foods slowly and without pressure
   
• Keep mealtimes calm and predictable
   
• Use visual steps for hygiene (wash → dry → done)
   

• Break tasks into small steps
   
• Use checklists or picture guides
   
• Praise effort, not just results
   
• Allow extra time — rushing increases anxiety
   

• Validate feelings (“I can see this is hard”)
   
• Avoid punishment for overload or meltdowns
   
• Focus on support and recovery, not control
   
• Celebrate strengths and interests
   

Home should be the safest place —
a space where routines are trusted, sensory needs are respected, and the person can truly be themselves.

(AUTISM — Level 1)**

Children and adults with Autism Level 1 often feel more comfortable when life is predictable and well organised.
Using a weekly schedule and giving reminders before changes helps reduce anxiety and makes daily routines easier to manage.

Planning ahead supports emotional safety and confidence.

People with Autism Level 1 may:

• Prefer clear routines
   
• Feel stressed by unexpected changes
   
• Need extra time to process new information
   
• Feel overwhelmed when plans change suddenly
   

A predictable schedule helps the brain feel calm and in control.

A clear weekly routine helps to:

• Reduce worry and overthinking
   
• Improve focus and time management
   
• Support independence
   
• Build confidence
   
• Prevent emotional overload
   
• Improve cooperation at home, school, or work
   

Visual schedules are especially helpful.

Advance warnings give time to adjust emotionally.

Helpful reminders include:

• “In 15 minutes, we will finish and move on.”
   
• “Tomorrow, school starts later.”
   
• “After lunch, we have an appointment.”
   

This reduces shock and frustration.

• Keep schedules simple and clear
   
• Use pictures, colours, or apps if helpful
   
• Review plans each morning
   
• Give reminders at set times
   
• Explain changes calmly
   
• Allow time for questions
   

Consistency builds trust.

For people with Autism Level 1, planning ahead and giving reminders before changes helps create:

✅ Emotional safety
✅ Better focus
✅ Lower anxiety
✅ Stronger independence
✅ Greater confidence

(AUTISM — Level 1)**

People with Autism Level 1 often work very hard to manage sensory input, social interaction, and daily demands.
Without regular rest, this can lead to mental and emotional overload.

Short, quiet breaks help the brain reset and stay balanced.

Without enough breaks, people may experience:

• Increased anxiety or stress
   
• Mental fatigue
   
• Irritability or frustration
   
• Difficulty concentrating
   
• Shutdowns or meltdowns
   

Regular breaks protect emotional wellbeing.

Taking quiet breaks helps to:

• Reduce sensory overload
   
• Improve focus and learning
   
• Prevent emotional exhaustion
   
• Restore calm
   
• Increase self-control
   
• Support independence
   

Rest is part of productivity.

A helpful break should be:

• In a calm, low-noise space
   
• Free from screens (if possible)
   
• Away from crowds
   
• Comfortable and safe
   
• Predictable in length
   

Even 5–10 minutes can help.

• Schedule breaks into the day
   
• Allow breaks before overload happens
   
• Use visual timers if helpful
   
• Respect the need for alone time
   
• Encourage self-awareness
   

Breaks should be seen as support, not avoidance.

For people with Autism Level 1, short quiet breaks help prevent:

✅ Sensory overload
✅ Emotional shutdown
✅ Burnout
✅ Anxiety spikes
✅ Loss of focus

(AUTISM — Level 1)**

People with Autism Level 1 often understand language best when it is direct, honest, and specific.
Vague hints, sarcasm, or indirect messages can be confusing and stressful.

Clear communication builds trust and confidence.

Indirect communication can lead to:

• Misunderstandings
   
• Anxiety or self-doubt
   
• Feeling criticised without knowing why
   
• Frustration or withdrawal
   
• Reduced confidence
   

Clear words reduce mental effort.

Using clear language helps to:

• Improve understanding
   
• Reduce confusion
   
• Prevent unnecessary conflict
   
• Support emotional safety
   
• Build stronger relationships
   
• Encourage independence
   

Clarity creates calm.

❌ Vague: “You might want to tidy up.”
✅ Clear: “Please tidy your desk now.”

❌ Vague: “Behave yourself.”
✅ Clear: “Please sit quietly and listen.”

❌ Vague: “It’s getting late…”
✅ Clear: “Please get ready for bed now.”

• Be specific about what is needed
   
• Use simple, direct sentences
   
• Avoid sarcasm and hidden meanings
   
• Say expectations clearly
   
• Check understanding if needed
   
• Stay calm and respectful
   

Clear does not mean harsh — it means kind and honest.

For people with Autism Level 1, clear language helps create:

✅ Better understanding
✅ Lower anxiety
✅ Stronger confidence
✅ Safer communication
✅ Healthier relationships

Say it simply. Say it kindly.

(AUTISM — Level 1)**

People with Autism Level 1 often experience the world more intensely through their senses.
Sounds, lights, textures, and temperatures that seem normal to others can feel overwhelming.

Respecting sensory needs helps reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing.

Sensory overload can lead to:

• Anxiety or panic
   
• Headaches or fatigue
   
• Irritability or shutdown
   
• Difficulty concentrating
   
• Avoidance of busy environments
   

Support protects mental and physical health.

Using sensory supports can:

• Reduce overwhelm
   
• Improve focus and comfort
   
• Increase confidence in public spaces
   
• Support participation in daily activities
   
• Prevent meltdowns and shutdowns
   

Comfort enables engagement.

Common helpful aids include:

• Ear defenders
   
• Noise-cancelling headphones
   
• Earplugs (if tolerated)
   

• Sunglasses
   
• Caps or hats
   
• Screen filters
   

• Soft, seamless clothing
   
• Tag-free labels
   
• Favourite fabrics
   
• Compression or weighted clothing (if helpful)
   

• Layered clothing
   
• Cooling scarves
   
• Warm blankets
   

Everyone’s sensory needs are different.

• Respect personal preferences
   
• Avoid forcing uncomfortable situations
   
• Allow access to comfort items
   
• Plan quiet spaces
   
• Ask what helps
   
• Normalise sensory tools
   

Support is about dignity, not “fixing”.

For people with Autism Level 1, respecting sensory needs supports:

✅ Emotional regulation
✅ Reduced anxiety
✅ Greater confidence
✅ Better participation

Comfort builds strengt
✅ Improved quality of lifeh.

(AUTISM — Level 1)**

People with Autism Level 1 often develop deep interests in specific topics or activities.
These special interests are not distractions — they are a powerful source of comfort, motivation, and self-confidence.

Encouraging these interests supports emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Special interests help to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
   
• Provide emotional regulation
   
• Create a sense of safety and predictability
   
• Support focus and learning
   
• Build identity and self-esteem
   

They are a natural coping tool.

Supporting special interests can:

• Increase happiness and motivation
   
• Improve confidence
   
• Encourage independence
   
• Support skill development
   
• Create positive routines
   
• Improve resilience
   

Interests often become strengths.

Special interests may include:

• Music, instruments, or playlists
   
• Trains, maps, or transport
   
• Computers, coding, or gaming
   
• Animals or nature
   
• History, facts, or collections
   
• Art, design, or crafts
   

Every interest has value.

• Show genuine interest
   
• Allow regular time for them
   
• Use them in learning or routines
   
• Avoid dismissing or mocking them
   
• Support sharing in safe ways
   
• Celebrate achievements
   

Respect builds confidence.

For people with Autism Level 1, special interests support:

✅ Emotional calm
✅ Confidence
✅ Identity
✅ Motivation
✅ Wellbeing

When nurtured, passions become power.