I work with an autistic adult.  Is there anything I can do to make his life better?
445389
Autistic people are more comfortable in a "dull" environment. Too much sensory stimulation will make your friend stress out.  Turn down the volume on phones. Turn off the radio (unless he asks you to leave it on). Get rid of things like flashing lights, chimes that go off every time the door opens. Put his work station in the quietest, least trafficked area of your workplace.
432826
Do more activities together so you can bond more and don't boss him around so much :P
353600
Well, first of all, find comfort in knowing that she is the one with the problem, not you.  People like that can make you judge your own sanity, but be assured that she is the bad guy.\n\nAvoid her as much as you can.  When you do have to interact with her, have all of your questions/projects lined up and ready to go, so you can go right down the line and move as quickly as possible in getting your work details done.\n\nIf the problem escalates, calmly tell her that her behavior is inappropriate, and then document her behaviors in case you need to provide them to HR.  Unfortunately, this might not work, because these types often see their behavior as completely normal, either due to a psychological problem, or just plain immaturity.  My guess is that she'll tell you that you need to "lighten up".\n\nI truly do wish you the best.  I work with a guy who has Asperger's, and every single day is a struggle with him.
279108
Hi, I'm a primary school teacher, so when I read your question, I wanted to help you out.\nI found a thread for you- it suggests lots of books and activities recommended by other parents who have autistic children. Hope it helps!
985434
Ask him what can you do to improve
990272
My mother in law does it, and yes its hard but rewarding!  I work with adults with developemental disabilities and Mental illnesses, and it is hard work, serving people, not getting paid much, but in the end it is emotionally rewarding to see someone succeed because of your help and your love! Keep going, keep loving, and just keep strong! its not for you that you are working it is for the future of every child you spend time with, trying to help them lead a normal life filled with good things, instead of a life filled with doubt, hate, and anger!  God bless you in your job and you WILL be rewarded someday! I promise!
477287
There are a couple of basic behaviors that autism spectrum disorders bring out in a person:\n\n1) Not understanding social cues - you have to let him know VERY clearly if you want or don't want something.  Any eye rolling, finger tapping, or shoulder shrugs may not even register with him.\n\n2) Obsession with specific topics - he probably has a few things that he could talk on and on and on about.  He will definitely have done his research and be hungry for any new information on whatever it is that interests him.\n\n3) When stressed, his ability to negotiate may be very limited - Stressful situations where a decision is called for (especially those where having to be rushed is part of it) could suddenly switch him into "overwhelmed" mode.  Until he's had a chance to slow down and calm down he may need very specific and clear requests made of him.\n\nAll this being said, a lot of your ability in able to handle a relationship with him will be in your acceptance that these things are NOT intentional for him.  He really is not TRYING to be annoying.\n\nWhat will help both of you is to have a high level of awareness and information around autism.  If he has acceptance of and knowledge about his autism, he will be more open to feedback and understanding of what helps him when he's stressed, etc.  Keep in mind that autism has NOTHING to do with a lack of intelligence.  He's probably very smart and able to put the pieces together if he's got specific and clear information.\n\nI am almost finished with my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.  I also have a 13 y.o. daughter with autism spectrum disorder.  While she is very enjoyable, funny, smart, sweet, and creative - she can also get on my nerves.  I sometimes need to let her know that I need some time to myself or just need some silence.\n\nGood luck to the both of you.  I'm sure he's a fascinating guy, and hope the two of you can talk about and plan ahead how to cope with the annoying times.
445417
Try the The West Midland Autistic Society, they have a school for autistic children based in Coddington, I worked there as an agency worker for over a year, it was kewl. If you wanna go Agency, try Beresford Blake Thomas on 0121 212 2292 and ask for Karen Skelding. They're based all over the UK and very help full. If you do go to Agency working, change over to self employed within them, you get a higher rate of your tax refunded to you. BBT should have a list of companies who do this. Feel Free to contact me if you need anymore info. I've been there and done it and loved it. Good Luck! :0)
779205
I used to work for a person like this.  You can prepare all the e-mails and action lists you want, but it's very difficult to get the person to read them and make decisions.\n\nMy recommendation is to try and schedule time with this person, AWAY from his desk (so you'll get his full attention) and let him know that the office help position needs to be replaced.  Try to give concrete examples of the times that projects have fallen through the cracks due to lack of support and project management.  We all know it's HIS lack of project management, but you might use the passive voice here to avoid offending him.\n\nNext you need to make up an action plan with him, on how he wishes to handle situations like that in the future. This way, you will not be blamed for mishandling things if you're following what you both agreed to.  Try to write up a summary of what you decide at this meeting (bulleted, keep it brief!) so you can refer to it later if necessary, and give him a copy.  Unfortunately, it is very unlikely this person will become organized in your lifetime, and if you can help bring a little structure and order to his office, he may appreciate you more than you know.  Just talk to him to find out how you can be a better employee.  This will guarantee your job, since you're showing a good "problem-solver" attitude instead of complaining.  Good luck with this, I know it's difficult to work in this environment!
575393
Depending on how intense your sons autisim is, making a room will require either more to see or less. Some autistics need more input, some less.\n\nIf it is less, make the walls sound resistant and protective with quilt batting and material done as upolstery. There are many sites to find out how to do this. Use only a few colors, pastels preferably.\n\nIf he needs lots of stimulation. Get wall murals for each wall depicting the four seasons. Paint the celing as a cloud filled sky and get a tape player with nature sounds. This ultral stimulating environment might afford him a thing or two to focus on when he has a tantrum. Make the carpet grass green, add only a few soft items like a futon bedding (sans the frame), a bean bag chair and stuffed animals.\n\nGood Luck. I hope this helps.
131529
Say What? I hope he's living in your dog house. Why are you allowing this dude to crash at your your place without working for 13 years??? Is he disabled? If not, tell him to find a job. Pick your self-esteem off the floor and dump this loser then maybe you'll find someone better.  Good Grief.
423385
http://www.togetherforautism.org/\nhttp://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer\nhttp://www.thegraycenter.org/autismdisorders.cfm\nhttp://www.paains.org.uk/\n\nThese are support network sites for families impacted by autistic loved ones.\n\nSince you used the word "mum", I assume you're in the UK, so I have included a resource in the UK.\n\nMy brother in law is affected by a mild form of autism called Asperger Syndrome.  He is a successful one man dot.com retailer specializing in recording studio equipment for home based musicians and composers.  He's a homeowner and engaged to be married.\n\nGood Luck and God Bless
1039067
I know its been said but first of all be encouraging.\n\nMake it something fun not work. No child (and most adults) want to do work. \n\nHelp him set goals. Small short term goals that lead up to bigger goals. Have them feel like they are working up to something important to them. Often graduation or college just isn't enough. Find out his true dreams and goals and set up ways to get there!
1064463
You REALLY NEED to leave him...it is ABSOLUTLY the best thing to do.  In the long run you will be much better off!!!  You don't need to help him...he (at some point) needs to help himself and he may need to come to a very low point in his life for that to happen but that is usually what motivates people to change and get help.  Best to you!!!
153869
I am a parent but I only have six years experience.  Still, you need to kick his little a** out.  I know he is your kid, but dang.  He is taking you for granted, you need to teach him how to take care of himself.  What is he going to do when you aren't there?
821868
If I were you I would get the testing done.  As you know people that have autism can lead very fullfilling lives and should not be treated differently.  As a teenager I babysat an autisic girl and I fell in love with this sweet little girl not because she was autisic but because of what the autism made her.  It has been 12 years since this little girl went home and there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of her.\n\nGet the testing done and teach your child that he can live life to the fullest and that not everyone judges people that are different
406087
Oh, No, NO, NO!!! Do NOT take his string away!!!  Do NOT try to break his habits, until you have gotten training in how to do it without making him withdraw any further from the world!\n\nAutism is a very tricky problem. He is responding to the world the way he really does see it. How would you like it if, every time you did anything, you were not allowed to do it?  No, you can't scratch your itches, no matter how much they hurt... No, you can't look at anything pretty or interesting? No, you can't do anything you enjoy doing?\n\nYou may not understand what he sees in that string, or what he feels that cause him to have his other behaviors.\n\nThere are special programs designed, through research and through the comments and suggestions of those intelligent autistics, now adults, who are able to communicate effectively, to help your son learn new ways of seeing his world, and learn new behaviors.\n\nHow old is he? If he is under the age of 22, he (and you) should be receiving specialized Autism programming through the public schools, with home training services linked through the school social worker.  If he is under the age of 3, you are eligible for service support in your home (Individualized Family Service Program). If he is age 3 or 4, he should be in a specialized preschool program. If he is ages 5 through 21, he should be getting specialized programming through the nearest public school.\n\nSee these links:\n\nhttp://www.autismweb.com/\nhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/autism.html\nhttp://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer\nhttp://wwww.spedusource.org/